[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

[[Page 4244]]

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