Leif Erikson Day, 2018, 51621-51622 [2018-22376]

Agencies

• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 198 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51621-51622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22376]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 198 / Friday, October 12, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 51621]]

                Proclamation 9802 of October 8, 2018

                
Leif Erikson Day, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than a millennium ago, Leif Erikson sailed across 
                the frigid Atlantic and set foot on North America, 
                likely becoming the first European to reach our 
                continent. On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate the 
                extraordinary journey made by this son of Iceland and 
                grandson of Norway with his crew and recognize the 
                immeasurable contributions that generations of Nordic 
                Americans have made to our Nation.

                After converting to Christianity in Norway, ``Leif the 
                Lucky'' set out to bring the Gospel to settlers in his 
                native Greenland. During his extensive travels, he 
                landed on the northern Atlantic coast, expanding 
                mankind's knowledge of then-uncharted territory. 
                Centuries later, many Nordic families followed his 
                example and set sail for America with the same 
                determination and grit. After much struggle and 
                sacrifice, these intrepid men and women arrived on our 
                shores with hope for a better life.

                Today, we recognize the descendants of immigrants from 
                Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland for the 
                tremendous role they have played in developing the 
                indomitable spirit that defines the American people. 
                Nordic Americans have traveled in space, crisscrossed 
                the globe by single-engine monoplane, and advanced 
                knowledge in science and engineering. Nordic Americans 
                have won Oscars, Grammy Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and 
                Nobel Prizes. They have fought--and died--in each of 
                our Nation's wars.

                We also reflect on the deep and enduring ties we have 
                with the Nordic countries. They are among our greatest 
                allies in the fight against terrorism, and they are 
                important trading partners. We renew our commitment to 
                continue strengthening these transatlantic 
                relationships.

                To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American 
                heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 
                88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized 
                the President of the United States to proclaim October 
                9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2018, as 
                Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                celebrate the contributions of Nordic Americans to our 
                Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
                programs.

[[Page 51622]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-22376
Filed 10-11-18; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F9-P