[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 1997)]
[Pages 1547-1548]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7039--Columbus Day, 1997

October 10, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The life and achievements of Christopher Columbus demonstrate how 
powerful and lasting an influence one individual can have on the course 
of human history. Although great explorers reached the shores of this 
continent both before and after Columbus, few have captured the American 
imagination as he has. Perhaps because we have always been an 
adventurous people, eager for challenge and change, we feel a special 
affinity for this extraordinary man who left the safety of known waters 
to pursue his vision across the ocean to the threshold of a new world.
    Although his momentous voyages across the Atlantic took place more 
than 500 years ago, their impact can still be felt today. Columbus' 
discoveries in the West Indies brought about substantive and continuing 
contact between the peoples of the Old World and the New, contact that 
gave rise to misunderstandings and conflicts that we still seek to 
reconcile today. He also made possible the exploration and settlement of 
North America and opened the door to our continent for generations to 
follow--people of every race and culture and ethnic origin, who have 
given our Nation its rich and unique diversity.
    Christopher Columbus, a son of Italy whose bold enterprise was made 
possible by the Spanish crown, holds a special place in

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the hearts of Americans of Italian and Spanish heritage. But, as we 
prepare for our own voyage of discovery into the next millennium, all 
Americans can draw inspiration from the character and accomplishments of 
Columbus. With vision, courage, imagination, and optimism, we can create 
a future bright with promise and a new world where all of us can pursue 
our dreams.
    In recognition of the enduring achievements of Christopher Columbus, 
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 13, 1997, 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 tenth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 14, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 15.