[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 40 (Monday, October 10, 2005)]
[Pages 1516-1517]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7943--Leif Erikson Day, 2005

 October 7, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson left the coast of Greenland 
and began a journey to explore new lands. He made that voyage in the 
spirit of discovery and became one of the first Europeans known to have 
reached North America, inspiring stories of bountiful lands and charting 
a way for future explorers to follow. On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate 
the accomplishments of Leif Erikson and his crew, and we honor the many 
contributions of Nordic Americans to our Nation.
    The journey of Leif Erikson reflects the spirit that has made 
America strong, as the desire to explore and understand is part of our 
national character. Today, we continue to push the frontiers of 
knowledge in many areas and especially with our exploration of space, 
drawn to the heavens as we were once drawn to the open seas.
    Generations of Nordic Americans have come to our country with a 
sense of determination and optimism, and they have helped build a 
stronger and more vibrant Nation. On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate 
Nordic Americans, as well as the ties between America and the Nordic 
nations. We are joined by a common respect for liberty, human rights, 
and the dignity of every person. Working together, we are spreading 
freedom and hope, and we are helping to build a better and more 
compassionate world.
    To honor Leif Erikson, 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,

[[Page 1517]]

do hereby proclaim October 9, 2005, 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 five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:18 a.m., October 12, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 13.