Celebrates the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name "America" to describe areas in the Western Hemisphere.
Honors the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci and other navigators who contributed to the discovery of the Western Hemisphere.
Acknowledges the significance of Martin Waldseemuller's 1507 map of the world and accompanying book, "Cosmographiae Introductio" which changed the accepted geographical view of the world and first officially used the name "America."
Encourages the inhabitants of all countries of the Western Hemisphere who have the privilege to share this great name "America" to join with the House of Representatives and citizens of the United States of America in this historic celebration.