[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8885--OCT. 9, 2012

Proclamation 8885 of October 9, 2012

Leif Erikson Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Leif Erikson--son of Iceland and grandson of Norway--crossed the North
Atlantic more than 1,000 years ago to land on the shores of present-day
Canada. His arrival marked the first known European encounter with North
America and began a legacy of daring exploration

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that would help define
the character of our Nation. Today, we celebrate not only Leif Erikson
and Nordic-American culture, but also those men and women who boldly
reach for the next great discovery.
More than 800 years after that first excursion, a ship called
Restauration set sail in Erikson's wake with the eyes and hearts of its
passengers set on American shores. The Norwegians who disembarked in New
York City on October 9, 1825, were the first large group of immigrants
to arrive in the United States from Norway. On Leif Erikson Day, we
commemorate their journey and celebrate the many contributions and
accomplishments of their descendants.
Famed adventurers like Leif Erikson still spur our limitless desire to
push toward new frontiers and shed light on the unknown. Today, the
United States is driving extraordinary innovation in all realms of
science and technology, setting out on modern expeditions to research
and preserve the Arctic and Antarctic, and even sending robotic
explorers to the surface of Mars. As we strive for an ever brighter
future, may we continue to be inspired by the rugged determination that
motivated our forebears, and may the same spirit of exploration guide
our progress in the years to come.
To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the
Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September
2, 1964, has authorized the President of the United States to proclaim
October 9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2012, as Leif Erikson Day. I call
upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA