Columbus Day, 1999

Proclamation 7239 of October 8, 1999

Columbus Day, 1999

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Although Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the New
World took place more than 500 years ago, the momentous
changes it brought about still resonate today. His
journey triggered a historic encounter between Europe
and the native peoples of the New World; helped open
new continents to exploration, trade, and development;
established a reliable route to the Americas; and was a
major milestone in the inexorable trend toward
expansion and globalization.

Columbus could not have imagined the full impact of his
arrival in 1492 or how his journey would shape human
history. The zeal for trade that motivated the Spanish
crown to fund Columbus' voyages still exists today as
we work to strengthen our commercial ties with other
nations and to compete in an increasingly global
economy. Columbus' own passion for adventure survives
as an integral part of our national character and
heritage, reflected in our explorations of the oceans'
depths and the outer reaches of our solar system. A son
of Italy, Columbus opened the door to the New World for
millions of people from across the globe who have
followed their dreams to America. Today, Americans of
Italian and Spanish descent can take special pride, not
only in Columbus' historic achievements, but also in
their own immeasurable contributions to our national
life. From business to the arts, from government to
academia, they have played an important part in
advancing the peace and prosperity our country enjoys
today.

We are about to embark on our own journey into a new
millennium of unknown challenges and possibilities. As
we ponder that future, Columbus' courage and daring
still capture the American imagination, inspiring us to
look to the horizon, as he did, and see, not a daunting
boundary, but a new world full of opportunity.

In tribute to Columbus' many achievements, the
Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934 (48
Stat. 657), and an Act of June 28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250),
has requested the President to proclaim the second
Monday in October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
11, 1999, 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
eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fourth.