For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 12, 2003
Columbus Day, 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
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