[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 41 (Monday, October 18, 1999)]
[Pages 1997-1998]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7239--Columbus Day, 1999

October 8, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Although Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the New World took 
place more than 500 years ago, the momentous changes it brought about 
still resonate today. His journey triggered a historic encounter between 
Europe and the native peoples of the New World; helped open new 
continents to exploration, trade, and development; established a 
reliable route to the Americas; and was a major milestone in the 
inexorable trend toward expansion and globalization.
    Columbus could not have imagined the full impact of his arrival in 
1492 or how his journey would shape human history. The zeal for trade 
that motivated the Spanish crown to fund Columbus' voyages still exists 
today as we work to strengthen our commercial ties with other nations 
and to compete in an increasingly global economy. Columbus' own passion 
for adventure survives as an integral part of our national character and 
heritage, reflected in our explorations of the oceans' depths and the 
outer reaches of our solar system. A son of Italy, Columbus opened the 
door to the New World for millions of people from across the globe who 
have followed their dreams to America. Today, Americans of Italian and 
Spanish descent can take special pride, not only in Columbus' historic 
achievements, but also in their own immeasurable contributions to our 
national life. From business to the arts, from government to academia, 
they have played an important part in advancing the peace and prosperity 
our country enjoys today.
    We are about to embark on our own journey into a new millennium of 
unknown challenges and possibilities. As we ponder that future, 
Columbus' courage and daring still capture the American imagination, 
inspiring us to look to the horizon, as he did, and see, not a daunting 
boundary, but a new world full of opportunity.

[[Page 1998]]

    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 of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11, 1999, 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-nine, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 13, 
1999]

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