[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 41 (Monday, October 16, 2000)]
[Pages 2374-2375]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7357--Columbus Day, 2000

October 6, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During this first year of the new century, the American people have 
devoted time and

[[Page 2375]]

thought to the people and events of our Nation's past so that we might 
better prepare for the challenges of the future. While Christopher 
Columbus' epic voyage took place almost three centuries before the 
founding of our democracy, his journey helped shape our national 
experience and offers important lessons as we chart our own course for 
the 21st century.
    One of the most valuable of those lessons is the importance of 
sustaining our spirit of adventure, our willingness to explore new 
concepts and new horizons. Columbus, after careful study and planning, 
rejected the conventional thinking of his time, sailed for the open 
seas, and succeeded in opening up a New World for the people of Europe. 
Like Columbus, our founders rejected the familiar paths of the past and 
ventured boldly to create a new form of government that has profoundly 
shaped world history. Explorers, pioneers, inventors, artists, 
entrepreneurs--all have found a refuge in America and a chance to 
achieve their dreams.
    Today we have other worlds to explore--from the deepest oceans to 
the outermost reaches of space to the genetic code of human life. The 
same adventurous spirit that propelled Columbus' explorations will 
enable us to challenge old assumptions, acquire new knowledge, and 
broaden the horizons of humankind.
    Columbus' story illustrates the importance of diversity. Columbus 
was born and raised in Italy; he learned much of his seafaring knowledge 
and experience from Portuguese sailors and navigators; and he put those 
skills in service to the King and Queen of Spain, who funded his 
explorations. By establishing a safe, reliable route between Europe and 
the New World, Columbus opened the door for subsequent explorers from 
Spain, France, and England and for the millions of immigrants who would 
be welcomed by America in later centuries. But the encounters between 
Columbus and other European explorers and the native peoples of the 
Western Hemisphere also underscore what can happen when cultures clash 
and when we are unable to understand and respect people who are 
different from us.
    While more than 500 years have passed since Christopher Columbus 
first sailed to these shores, the lessons of his voyage are still with 
us. Brave, determined, open to new ideas and new experiences, in many 
ways he foreshadowed the character of the American people who honor him 
today.
    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 9, 2000, 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 two thousand, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 11, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 7, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 12.