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

    Proclamation 9949 of October 11, 2019

    Columbus Day, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On October 12, 1492, after a perilous, two-month journey across the
    treacherous Atlantic Ocean, Christopher Columbus and his crew aboard the
    Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria landed in what is today The Bahamas.
    This watershed voyage ushered in the Age of Exploration, changing the
    course of history and setting the foundation for development of our
    Nation. Today, we commemorate this great explorer, whose courage, skill,
    and drive for discovery are at the core of the American spirit.
    While Columbus sailed from the port of Palos under the Spanish flag, he
    took pride in the fact that he was a citizen of Genoa, Italy. The
    celebration of Columbus Day is, therefore, an appropriate opportunity to
    recognize the more than 16 million Americans who claim Italian heritage
    and to carry forth the legacy of generations of Italian Americans who
    helped shape our Nation. The United States greatly values its close bond
    with Italy, a longstanding friend, ally, and economic partner. Our
    relationship, built on shared values and a commitment to furthering
    peace and prosperity, continues to benefit both of our nations.
    Columbus's daring voyage to the New World brought two continents
    together, enabling a global perspective for the first time. The bold
    legacy of Columbus and his crew spun a thread that weaves through the
    extensive history of Americans who have pushed the boundaries of
    exploration. On Columbus Day, we draw inspiration from this intrepid
    pioneer's spirit of adventure. We also affirm our commitment to
    continuing our quest to discover and better understand the wonders of
    our Nation, the world, and beyond.
    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 14, 2019, 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

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    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 eleventh 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