[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 41 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Pages 2283-2284]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7828--Leif Erikson Day, 2004

October 7, 2004

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson led his crew on a journey 
across the Atlantic, becoming the first European known to have set foot 
on North American soil. Every October, we honor this courageous Viking 
explorer, his historic voyage, and the rich heritage of Nordic 
Americans.
    Immigrants from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden and 
their descendants have made great contributions to our Nation in the 
fields of business, politics, the arts, education, agriculture, and 
other areas. Nordic Americans have also made a significant mark on our 
country's society and culture, and have helped to establish and define 
America's most cherished principles. Their energy and spirit have 
inspired others, and their courage, skill, and determination have played 
an important role in the development of our country. Today, millions of 
people in the United States trace their origins to these Nordic 
countries, and their contributions to America make our country stronger 
and better.
    On this day, we also recognize our longstanding ties to these 
nations that were home to the ancestors of many Americans. Together, we 
continue to work to advance prosperity, expand freedom, and increase 
stability and security in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
    To honor Leif Erikson, the courageous son of Iceland and grandson of 
Norway, and to celebrate our citizens of Nordic-American heritage, 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, 2004, 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 seventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:40 a.m., October 8, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 12.

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