[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 41 (Monday, October 17, 1994)]
[Page 1982]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6735--Leif Erikson Day, 1994

October 7, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Nearly a millennium has passed since Leif Erikson set out on his 
voyage to explore North America, a land then thought to be no more than 
an uncharted wilderness across the waters. Filled with the same spirit 
of discovery that characterized the travels of his father, Eric the Red, 
who sailed from Norway to Iceland to Greenland, the journey of Leif 
Erikson remains one of history's greatest legends. To commemorate the 
life of this bold adventurer and to recognize the generations of Nordic 
Americans who have followed in his footsteps, we celebrate Leif Erikson 
Day, 1994.
    Leaving behind the ice-covered mountains of Greenland, Erikson 
helped to set the stage for centuries of trans-Atlantic exchange between 
his father's native Norway and the people of the New World. Today, the 
United States and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, 
Sweden, and Norway, enjoy cordial friendships and are productive 
partners in fostering democracy and expanding trade. Carrying forward 
the ideals of their ancestors--ideals of liberty, human dignity, and 
self-determination--these nations stand with the United States in 
representing the freedom to which individuals around the world aspire.
    The sons and daughters of Scandinavia who immigrated to this country 
in past centuries brought with them that abiding passion for justice and 
equality, and their determination to build a better life for themselves 
and their children has enriched our Nation immeasurably. For the 
tremendous contributions they have made to our society, and for the many 
wonderful traditions that their descendants continue to uphold, 
Americans across the country join in recognizing this special day every 
year.
    In honor of Leif Erikson--son of Iceland, grandson of Norway--and of 
the vibrant Nordic American culture that continues to grace our Nation, 
the Congress, by joint resolution approved on September 2, 1964 (Public 
Law 88-566), has authorized and requested the President to designate 
October 9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 1994, as Leif Erikson 
Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by learning more 
about our rich Nordic-American heritage.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:39 p.m., October 11, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
13. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.