    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9946 of October 8, 2019

    Leif Erikson Day, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On Leif Erikson Day, we honor the spirit of exploration, courage, and
    faith that led this legendary Viking and his crew to sail across the
    Atlantic in search of new lands and opportunities more than a thousand
    years ago. His dream--to venture beyond the known horizon and redefine
    the impossible--still defines and inspires Americans today.
    Leif Erikson's undaunted life of exploration began in Iceland--the same
    location where the Apollo 11 crew trained for its historic journey to
    the surface of the Moon. The bold spirit that propelled Erikson and his
    fellow mariners across an unknown ocean is the same spirit that carried
    our brave astronauts into space 50 years ago, and it is what continues
    to fuel our desire to unlock the mysteries of the universe and pursue
    the exploration of Mars.
    Americans share strong bonds with the homelands of the Vikings. Millions
    of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
    Norway, and Sweden. All of these nations help keep our transatlantic
    community strong. They stand shoulder to shoulder with us as North
    Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies or partners to enhance regional
    peace and stability. And as members of the Arctic Council, we work
    together to promote sustainable growth, scientific research, and
    environmental protection in the High North while maintaining the region
    as an area of low tensions.
    Nordic Americans contribute each day to the rich tapestry of our country
    by their self-reliance, drive, spirit of adventure, and cultural
    traditions. On this day, we pay tribute to the remarkable achievements
    of Leif Erikson, and we celebrate the daring dreams, big vision, and
    passion for discovery of all people of Scandinavian heritage.
    To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of Norway, and to
    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, 2019, as
    Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the
    achievements and 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 nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP