[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8584--OCT. 8, 2010

Proclamation 8584 of October 8, 2010
Columbus Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Over five centuries ago, Christopher Columbus set sail across the
Atlantic Ocean in search of a new trade route to India. The findings of
this explorer from Genoa, Italy, would change the map of the world and
forever alter the course of human history.
When Columbus's crewmembers came ashore in the Americas, they arrived in
a world previously unknown to his contemporaries in Europe. Columbus
returned to the Caribbean three more times after his maiden voyage in
1492, convinced of the vast potential of what he had seen. His
expeditions foreshadowed the journey across the seas for millions of
courageous immigrants who followed. As they settled, they joined
indigenous communities with thriving cultures. Today, we reflect on the
myriad contributions tribal communities have made to our Nation and the
world, and we remember the tremendous suffering they endured as this
land changed.
For more than 500 years, women and men from every corner of the globe
have embarked on journeys to our shores as did Columbus. Some have
sought refuge from religious or political oppression, and others have
departed nations ravaged by war, famine, or economic despair. Columbus
charted a course for generations of Italians who followed his crossing
to America. As Italy marks the 150th anniversary of its unification this
year, we celebrate the incalculable contributions of Italian Americans,
whose determination, hard work, and leadership have done so much to
build the strength of our Nation.
What Columbus encountered over half a millennia ago was more than earth
or continent. His epic quest into the unknown may not have revealed the
new trade route he sought, but it exposed the boundless potential of a
new frontier. It is this intrepid character and spirit of possibility
that has come to define America, and is the reason countless families
still journey to our shores.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus' historic voyage 518 years ago,
the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in
1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim
the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2010, as Columbus Day. I call
upon the people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the Flag

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of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the
appointed day in honor of Christopher Columbus.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA