[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 41 (Monday, October 16, 1995)]
[Pages 1789-1790]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6836--Columbus Day, 1995

October 6, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    To pursue ambitious goals and to realize great dreams, we must be 
willing to venture away from the familiar and comfortable. We must show 
the strength of our convictions to tackle the challenges, known and 
unknown, that stand between us and our hopes for the future.
    Today, Christopher Columbus' extraordinary journeys stand as 
inspiring examples of such determination. This renowned explorer braved 
the open sea, so feared by his contemporaries, and revealed the 
splendors of the New World to Renaissance Europe over 500 years ago. He 
discovered the best use of the North Atlantic wind system, first 
described the Equatorial Current, and initiated the succeeding rapid 
exploration and settlement of the Americas.
    During the course of his first transatlantic voyage, Columbus' bold 
convictions overcame the resistance of the faint-hearted members of his 
crew. He led them to the Canaries, the Bahama Islands, Cuba, and Haiti, 
and subsequent sailings took him to other Caribbean islands, Central 
America, and Venezuela. As with many pioneers throughout history, 
Columbus' limited understanding of other cultures led to conflicts and 
controversies--struggles similar to those that challenge our world even 
now. But the enduring fame of his travels and the opportunity he sought 
across uncharted waters remain a call to all who seek adventure.
    A native of Genoa, Columbus' courage and commitment led him to leave 
safe shores in pursuit of his goals. But he could not have made his 
trips without the support of the Spanish crown. People of Italian and 
Spanish descent continue to energize communities across our Nation, 
enhancing every occupation and sector of American society. We are 
grateful for their tremendous contributions and for the ingenuity of 
spirit that is Columbus' enduring legacy.
    In tribute to Columbus' many achievements, the Congress, 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 each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do here by proclaim October 9, 1995, 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 sixth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 3 p.m., October 10, 
1995]

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

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