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

 
Proclamation 9520 of October 7, 2016

Columbus Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In October of 1492, Christopher Columbus completed the first of his
expeditions that would land him on the shores of North America.
Sponsored by Isabella I and Ferdinand II, Columbus embarked on a 10-week
voyage he had hoped would lead to Asia. But when his ships instead
landed in the Bahamas, a new story began to unfold. The spirit of
exploration that Columbus embodied was sustained by all who would follow
him westward, driving a desire to continue expanding our understanding
of the world.
Though Columbus departed from the coast of Spain, his roots traced back
to his birthplace of Genoa, Italy. Blazing a trail for generations of
Italian explorers and Italian Americans to eventually seek the promise
of the New World, his voyage churned the gears of history. The bonds
between Italy and the United States could not be closer than they are
today--a reflection of the extraordinary contributions made by both our
peoples in our common efforts to shape a better future. Across our
Nation, Italian Americans continue to enrich our country's traditions
and culture.
As we mark this rich history, we must also acknowledge the pain and
suffering reflected in the stories of Native Americans who had long
resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers. The
past we share is marked by too many broken promises, as well as
violence, deprivation, and disease. It is a history that we must
recognize as we seek to build a brighter future--side by side and with
cooperation and mutual respect. We have made great progress together in
recent years, and we will keep striving to maintain strong nation-to-
nation relationships, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and help all our
communities thrive.
More than five centuries ago, one journey changed the trajectory of our
world--and today we recognize the spirit that Christopher Columbus's
legacy inspired. As we reflect on the adventurers throughout history who
charted new courses and sought new heights, let us remember the
communities who suffered, and let us pay tribute to our heritage and
embrace the multiculturalism that defines the American experience.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage 524 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 10, 2016, as Columbus

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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 seventh day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA