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

 
PROCLAMATION 9193--OCT. 10, 2014

Proclamation 9193 of October 10, 2014

Columbus Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When Christopher Columbus--a son of Genoa, Italy--set sail across the
Atlantic, no one could imagine the profound and lasting impact he would
have on the world. In search of a westward route to Asia, he

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instead spotted the Bahamas. As dawn broke on October 12, 1492,
Columbus's crew set foot on a Caribbean island and changed the course of
history. For much of Europe, this marked the discovery of the New World,
and it set in motion the more than five centuries that have followed.
In a new world, explorers found opportunity. They endured unforgiving
winters and early hardship. They pushed west across a continent,
charting rivers and mountains, and expanded our understanding of the
world as they embraced the principle of self-reliance.
In a new world, a history was written. It tells the story of an idea--
that all women and men are created equal--and a people's struggle to
fulfill it. And it is a history shared by Native Americans, one marred
with long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and deprivation.
In a new world, a Nation was born. A resolute people fought for
democracy, liberty, and freedom from tyranny. They secured fundamental
rights to expression, petition, and free exercise of religion and built
a beacon of hope to people everywhere who cherish these ideals.
Columbus's historic voyage ushered in a new age, and since, the world
has never been the same. His journey opened the door for generations of
Italian immigrants who followed his path across an ocean in pursuit of
the promise of America. Like Columbus, these immigrants and their
descendants have shaped the place where they landed. Italian Americans
have enriched our culture and strengthened our country. They have served
with honor and distinction in our Armed Forces, and today, they embrace
their rich heritage as leaders in our communities and pioneers of
industry.
On Columbus Day, we reflect on the moment the world changed. And as we
recognize the influence of Christopher Columbus, we also pay tribute to
the legacy of Native Americans and our Government's commitment to
strengthening their tribal sovereignty. We celebrate the long history of
the American continents and the contributions of a diverse people,
including those who have always called this land their home and those
who crossed an ocean and risked their lives to do so. With the same
sense of exploration, we boldly pursue new frontiers of space, medicine,
and technology and dare to change our world once more.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage 522 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 13, 2014, 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 tenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the

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