Leif Erikson Day, 2022

Proclamation 10471 of October 7, 2022

Leif Erikson Day, 2022

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and
grandson of Norway, embarked on a historic journey
across the Atlantic, landing on the shores of North
America. Widely believed to be the first Europeans to
set foot on this continent, he and his crew embodied
traits that would come to define a uniquely American
spirit--restless and bold, brave and optimistic, and in
search of a better future. This same spirit would guide
generations of Danes, Finns, Icelanders, Norwegians,
and Swedes to immigrate and build new lives in the
United States. It would lead countless families to
plant roots in the Great Lakes States, the northern
Great Plains, and enclaves across the Nation. It
remains ingrained in the hearts of roughly 11 million
Americans who trace their ancestry to Nordic countries
today.

On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate Nordic-Americans and
all the ways they strengthen the fabric of our Nation.
They are leaders in business and philanthropy,
educators and scholars, artists and inventors, doctors
and nurses, first responders, service members, and so
much more. In every field and throughout every
community, their contributions help bring us closer to
making the promise of America real for every American.

On this day, we also reaffirm our strong partnerships
with Nordic nations and their people. Our mutual
commitments to greater peace, security, and stability
serve as the bedrock of our democracies and the
friendships between our countries. From supporting
Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russia's
invasion to advancing human rights, tackling the
climate crisis to addressing food insecurity, and
strengthening global health to promoting development,
we will always work together to tackle the world's most
pressing challenges. I am proud that the United States
Senate took swift action to ratify Sweden and Finland's
accession protocols to join the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization. These great democracies and highly
capable partners will further fortify the most powerful
defensive alliance in the history of the world and
bolster our efforts to defend democracy and freedom
everywhere.

To honor Leif Erikson and to celebrate 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
9th of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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,
2022, 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.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
seventh.