[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 40 (Monday, October 11, 1993)]
[Pages 2037-2038]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6608--Columbus Day, 1993

 October 8, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During 1993 the world has embarked on new trails to expand 
humanity's horizons and to promote the betterment of the human 
condition. As we look with hope to the future, we also pay homage to our 
past and to those who have helped shape our Nation and continent. It is 
therefore fitting that the voyages of Christopher Columbus be 
remembered. I welcome this opportunity to salute this man of great 
courage, who, in defiance of popular myth and hardship, had the vision 
to explore the unknown.
    Even though the Quincentennial celebrations of Columbus' landfall 
are past, it is still our duty to promote understanding between the old 
and new worlds. It is important to commemorate the mutual discovery of 
Europeans and Native Americans and the transformations, through toil and 
pain, that gave birth to brave new hopes for a better future.
    For the United States, it is especially significant that we 
recognize the daring voyages of Christopher Columbus. As a people whose 
land was founded on dreams, we proceed today, just as Columbus did, with 
courage to overcome obstacles and search for new paths to lead us into 
an unknown, but promising, future.
    Many people in the United States have special reason to remember and 
celebrate

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the histories of the old and new worlds. America, a Nation of diverse 
peoples, has been enriched by the blending of many heritages. Americans 
of international descent, along with Native Americans, have contributed 
mightily to molding the framework of our great land, united by our 
allegiance to the principles of equality, democracy, and freedom. We all 
take justifiable pride in our accomplishments and dedicate ourselves to 
the pursuit of our dreams.
    In tribute to Columbus' achievement, the Congress of the United 
States by joint resolution of April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), and an Act 
of June 28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250), has requested the President to proclaim 
the second Monday in October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 1993, 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 Christopher Columbus.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 3:36 p.m., October 12, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 14.