[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9656 of October 6, 2017

Columbus Day, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Five hundred and twenty-five years ago, Christopher Columbus completed
an ambitious and daring voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the
Americas. The voyage was a remarkable and then-unparalleled feat that
helped launch the age of exploration and discovery. The permanent
arrival of Europeans to the Americas was a transformative event that
undeniably and fundamentally changed the course of human history and set
the stage for the development of our great Nation. Therefore, on
Columbus Day, we honor the skilled navigator and man of faith, whose
courageous feat brought together continents and has inspired countless
others to pursue their dreams and convictions--even in the face of
extreme doubt and tremendous adversity.
More than five centuries after his initial voyage, we remember the
``Admiral of the Ocean Sea'' for building the critical first link in the
strong and enduring bond between the United States and Europe. While
Isabella I and Ferdinand II of Spain sponsored his historic voyage,
Columbus was a native of the City of Genoa, in present day Italy, and
represents the rich history of important Italian American contributions
to our great Nation. There can be no doubt that American culture,
business, and civic life would all be much less vibrant in the absence
of the Italian American community. We also take this opportunity to
reaffirm our close ties to Columbus's country of birth, Italy. Italy is
a strong ally and a valued partner in promoting peace and promoting
prosperity around the world.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage, 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2017, 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 sixth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP