    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9802 of October 8, 2018

    Leif Erikson Day, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    More than a millennium ago, Leif Erikson sailed across the frigid
    Atlantic and set foot on North America, likely becoming the first
    European to reach our continent. On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate the
    extraordinary journey made by this son of Iceland and grandson of Norway
    with his crew and recognize the immeasurable contributions that
    generations of Nordic Americans have made to our Nation.
    After converting to Christianity in Norway, ``Leif the Lucky''; set out
    to bring the Gospel to settlers in his native Greenland. During his
    extensive travels, he landed on the northern Atlantic coast, expanding
    mankind's knowledge of then-uncharted territory. Centuries later, many
    Nordic families followed his example and set sail for America with the
    same determination and grit. After much struggle and sacrifice, these
    intrepid men and women arrived on our shores with hope for a better
    life.
    Today, we recognize the descendants of immigrants from Iceland, Norway,
    Denmark, Sweden, and Finland for the tremendous role they have played in
    developing the indomitable spirit that defines the American people.
    Nordic Americans have traveled in space, crisscrossed the globe by
    single-engine monoplane, and advanced knowledge in science and
    engineering. Nordic Americans have won Oscars, Grammy Awards, Pulitzer
    Prizes, and Nobel Prizes. They have fought--and died--in each of our
    Nation's wars.
    We also reflect on the deep and enduring ties we have with the Nordic
    countries. They are among our greatest allies in the fight against
    terrorism, and they are important trading partners. We renew our
    commitment to continue strengthening these transatlantic relationships.
    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, 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, 2018, as
    Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the
    contributions of Nordic Americans to our Nation with appropriate
    ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the

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    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP