[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 2003)]
[Page 1361]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7718--Leif Erikson Day, 2003

 October 9, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Traveling across the Atlantic as the first Nordic to lead an 
expedition to North America, Leif Erikson showed great courage in the 
face of danger. His actions marked the beginning of a longstanding 
exchange of people, ideas, and innovations between North America and the 
Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. As the 
United States celebrates Leif Erikson Day, we honor his historic voyage 
and give thanks for the many contributions of Nordic Americans to our 
Nation, and of our Nordic allies.
    Since Leif Erikson's voyage, millions of immigrants from the Nordic 
countries have come to America. As teachers, lawyers, judges, doctors, 
authors, athletes, artists, scientists, and business people, and in many 
other occupations, Nordic Americans have contributed to America's 
cultural, political, and economic strength. America has also benefited 
from the diplomatic relationships we have long enjoyed with the Nordic 
nations.
    To honor Leif Erikson, Nordic-American heritage, and America's 
continued relationship with Nordic countries, the Congress, by joint 
resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has 
authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each 
year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2003, as Leif Erikson Day. I call 
upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, 
activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 14, 
2003]

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