[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 42 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Pages 2049-2050]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6940--Columbus Day, 1996

October 11, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout our history, America has been inspired by the courage and 
daring of Christopher Columbus. Like him, we are a people who dare to 
dream, to chart a bold course, and to surmount formidable obstacles to 
reach new horizons.
    Columbus' arrival in North America not only confirmed his beliefs 
about our planet, but also initiated an epic struggle between the Old 
and New Worlds. Yet out of that triumphant voyage and the meeting of 
many peoples developed a Nation and a way of life vastly unlike those 
Columbus left behind.
    The expedition that Columbus--an Italian supported by the Spanish 
Crown--began more than 500 years ago, continues today as we experience 
and celebrate the vibrant in- 

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fluences of varied civilizations, not only from Europe, but also from 
around the world. America is stronger because of this diversity, and the 
democracy we cherish flourishes in the great mosaic we have created 
since 1492. Americans of Italian and Spanish heritage can be 
particularly proud, not only of Columbus' achievements, but also of 
their own contributions to our country.
    As we honor and remember Christopher Columbus, let us use his 
example as a beacon to help guide us into the 21st century. His life, 
his voyages, and--above all--his vision can inspire us as we prepare for 
the challenges that lie ahead. Let us remember that all of us, 
regardless of our origins, are important participants in that journey, 
and that our uncertainty about what lies over the horizon should not 
shake our faith that, together, we will succeed.
    In recognition of Columbus' epic achievement, 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 of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 14, 1996, 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 eleventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:34 a.m., October 15, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 12, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 16.