[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9519 of October 7, 2016

Leif Erikson Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 1,000 years ago, an intrepid Scandinavian explorer, Leif
Erikson, embarked on a voyage that landed him on the North American
coast. A son of Iceland and grandson of Norway, Erikson and his crew are
believed to be the first Europeans to reach the shores of our continent,
founding the Vinland settlement in modern-day Canada. Today, we recall
Leif Erikson's historic journey as we seek to carry forward the bold
spirit of exploration that has inspired Nordic Americans for
generations.
Eight centuries after Leif Erikson's trip, six families of Norwegians
boarded a ship called Restauration bound for New York City. Following in
Erikson's footsteps, these individuals sought the promise of freedom and
opportunity America offered and became the first group of organized
American immigrants from Norway. Millions of Americans proudly trace
their ancestry to Nordic countries, raised by parents and grandparents
who crossed oceans to carve out new lives for their families and help
steer the course of our country. The United States and our Nordic
partners are united by ties of family and friendship, history and
heritage. Earlier this year, I was proud to welcome Nordic leaders to
the White House. This visit illustrated many of the values and interests
we share--including increasing opportunity for all and recognizing the
inherent dignity of every human being.
Nordic countries remain some of our most reliable and effective
partners, steadfastly helping us meet the shared challenges of our time.
We remain grateful for their friendship, and for the ways the Nordic
people have influenced our country and enhanced the American melting
pot. On Leif Erikson Day, as we express our appreciation for the myriad
contributions of Nordic Americans, let us remember the discovery that
set this profound history in motion.
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, 2016, 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 seventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA