Columbus Day, 1994

Proclamation 6737 of October 7, 1994

Columbus Day, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

At a time when experienced sailors navigated only
within sight of shore whenever possible, Christopher
Columbus conceived of a route no other had and sailed
boldly into the open seas. Columbus' example reminds us
that we must be willing, even eager, to leave the
comfortable but often limiting shores of yesterday and
journey toward the difficult and unmet challenges of
tomorrow.

Exploring the frontiers of the new world, Columbus set
the stage for the encounter between Europeans and
Native Americans, an encounter whose impact continues
to be felt today. It is particularly important to
recognize anew the sacrifices and hardships suffered by
both sides as a result of this meeting and to salute
the rich cultural heritage each group has bestowed upon
its descendants. Through time and tears, exchanges
between these two cultures have led to greater
understanding and rich opportunities for harmony and
healing.

This year, as we celebrate the founding of a new world
that is finally learning the infinite value of
diversity, we continue to take an important lesson from
Columbus' travels. In his great spirit of adventure and
discovery, I encourage all Americans today to let the
quartering winds of change propel us into the 21st
century. Facing the future with courage and openness,
as Columbus did in his day, we must strive to meet the
challenges of the future with logic and foresight and
with the certainty of moving ever forward.

In tribute to the many achievements of Christopher
Columbus, the Congress of the United States, 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
10, 1994, 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
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and nineteenth.

(Presidential Sig.)>