For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 10, 2002
Columbus Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In August 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed from Palos, Spain,
embarking on a westward voyage and intending to establish a new trade
route from Spain to the Far East. With three ships and a crew of
approximately 100 men, he journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean. Instead
of finding a new route to the Indies, Columbus discovered the Bahama
Islands. Today, more than five centuries later, Americans continue to
celebrate Columbus' bold expedition and recognize his pioneering
achievements as an enduring symbol of imagination, courage, and
perseverance.
Columbus brought European settlers to North America and helped
establish a new era of world exploration during his four journeys to
the "New World." In the years following his voyage of discovery,
others such as John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan
followed Columbus' example to explore and discover new lands, peoples,
and cultures.
Today, Columbus' spirit of innovation and discovery flourishes in
America as we seek to advance knowledge and ensure prosperity and hope
for all people. We challenge our young men and women particularly to
reach for all their dreams as the great explorers of the past did.
In commemoration of Columbus' remarkable journey 510 years ago, 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 14, 2002, 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 ninth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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