[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9348 of October 9, 2015

Columbus Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over half a millennium ago, Christopher Columbus--an ambitious navigator
native to Genoa, Italy--set sail for new horizons. Aboard the Nina, the
Pinta, and the Santa Maria, his expedition went west for a months-long
journey. Though his first of four voyages across the Atlantic did not
end at his desired destination of Asia, Columbus's adventure reflected
the insatiable thirst for exploration that continues to drive us as a
people.
Columbus's legacy is embodied in the spirit of our Nation. Determined
and curious, the young explorer persevered after having been doubted by
many of his potential patrons. Once opportunity struck, when Ferdinand
II and Isabella I agreed to sponsor his trip, he seized the moment and
pursued what he knew to be possible. Columbus's arrival in the New World
inspired many and allowed for generations of Italians to follow--people
whose Italian-American heritage contributes in immeasurable ways to
making our country what it is, and who continue to help strengthen the
friendship between the United States and Italy.
Though these early travels expanded the realm of European exploration,
to many they also marked a time that forever changed the world for the
indigenous peoples of North America. Previously unseen disease,
devastation, and violence were introduced to their lives--and as we pay
tribute to the ways in which Columbus pursued ambitious

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goals--we also recognize the suffering inflicted upon Native Americans
and we recommit to strengthening tribal sovereignty and maintaining our
strong ties.
In the years since Columbus's time, the legacy of early explorers has
carried on in the wide eyes of aspiring young dreamers and doers, eager
to make their own journeys and to continue reaching for the unknown and
unlocking new potential.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage 523 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 12, 2015, 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 ninth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA