[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 42 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Pages 1374-1375]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7720--Columbus Day, 2003

October 10, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    When Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in August 1492, he 
launched an era of discovery and exploration that continues today. On 
Columbus Day, we honor this Italian explorer's courage and vision, and 
recognize his four journeys to the ``New World.''
    One of the first known celebrations of Christopher Columbus' 
achievements was in 1792 when a ceremony in New York City celebrated the 
300th anniversary of his landing in the Bahamas. Italian Americans began 
regularly honoring Columbus in the 1860s. In 1892, President Benjamin 
Harrison issued a Presidential proclamation on the 400th anniversary of 
Columbus' first voyage, describing Columbus as ``the pioneer of progress 
and enlightenment.'' The United States now celebrates a national holiday 
in honor of Columbus.
    Columbus' willingness to sacrifice the comfort of his home to pursue 
the unknown has inspired generations of daring explorers. Through the 
years, Americans have followed in the spirit of Columbus through 
exploration of land, sea, and space, and are fulfilling Columbus' great 
legacy. Since the days of Columbus, millions of Italian immigrants have 
crossed the ocean and come to the United States. These Italian Americans 
and their descendants have made America stronger and better.
    In commemoration of Columbus' journey, the Congress, by joint 
resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as 
amended, has requested that the President proclaim the second Monday of 
October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2003, 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 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 15, 
2003]

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.

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