    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9189--OCT. 8, 2014

    Proclamation 9189 of October 8, 2014

    Leif Erikson Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    At a time when much of the world remained unknown, Leif Erikson--a son
    of Iceland and grandson of Norway--left his Nordic homeland and sailed
    westward across an unrelenting ocean. Landing in present-day Canada more
    than 1,000 years ago, Erikson and his crew became the first Europeans
    known to reach North America. In this new world, they discovered a land
    rich with natural resources and established their first settlement,
    Vinland. Today, we recognize their courageous

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    spirit and the daring exploration that forged a path for centuries of
    exchange, innovation, and opportunity.
    More than 800 years after this historic voyage, a group of Norwegian
    immigrants boarded a ship named Restauration, and with the same sense of
    hope and determination shared by Erikson and his crew, they crossed the
    Atlantic in pursuit of the freedoms promised in America. On October 9,
    1825, they arrived in New York City, becoming the first organized group
    of immigrants from Norway to reach the United States. Together, they
    wrote a chapter of our two countries' interconnected story and opened
    the doors to opportunity for the hundreds of thousands of Norwegians who
    would follow, enriching our communities and bettering our Nation.
    This year, we also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the adoption of
    Norway's constitution, a charter influenced by America's founding
    documents, and we are reminded of the powerful bonds between our two
    nations and the values and ideals our people embrace. As we reflect on
    our common past, we rededicate ourselves to preserving all that has
    brought us together: the story of a fearless leader who reached for new
    possibilities; our shared commitment to self-determination and freedom;
    and the simple truth that has drawn immigrants to our shores--in
    America, anyone who works hard should be able to get ahead.
    Today, there is more work to do to strengthen these promises, and we
    require bold thinkers and explorers to achieve what we know can be
    possible. The far reaches of our universe and the depths of our oceans
    remain unexplored, and the next frontiers in science, medicine, and
    technology await a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. As a
    Nation, let us carry forward the spirit of Leif Erikson and seize the
    future together.
    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, 2014, 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 eighth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA