[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8735 of October 7, 2011

Columbus Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers sighted
land after an ambitious voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The ideals
that guided them to this land--courage, determination, and a thirst for
discovery--have inspired countless Americans and led to some of our
Nation's proudest accomplishments. Today, we renew our commitment to
fostering the same spirit of innovation and exploration that will help
future generations reach new horizons.
Ten weeks before his arrival in the Americas, Columbus and his
crewmembers set sail from Spain in search of a westward route to Asia.
Though their journey was daring, it did not yield the trade route they
sought. Instead, it illuminated a continent then unknown to Europe, and
established an unbreakable bond between two distant lands.
These explorers, and countless others that followed them, encountered
indigenous peoples that had lived in the Western hemisphere for tens of
thousands of years. On this day, we also remember the tragic hardships
these communities endured. We honor their countless and ongoing
contributions to our Nation, and we recommit to strengthening the tribal
communities that continue to enrich the fabric of American life.
Columbus returned to the Americas three more times after his first
historic voyage, and his journey has been followed by millions of
immigrants, including our Nation's earliest settlers and Founders. Born
in Genoa, Italy, Christopher Columbus was the first in a proud tradition
of Italians to cross the Atlantic to our shores. Today, we recognize
their indelible influence on our country and celebrate the remarkable
ways Italian-Americans have shaped the American experience.
The excitement Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers experienced that
October morning is felt every day by today's pioneers: entrepreneurs and
inventors, researchers and engineers. On the anniversary of Christopher
Columbus's voyage, we celebrate the pursuit of discovery as an essential
element of the American character. Embracing this heritage and inspiring
young people to set their own sails, our Nation will reach the shores of
an ever brighter tomorrow.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage 519 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 10, 2011, 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 of
the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed
day in honor of our diverse history and all who have contributed to
shaping this Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA