Leif Erikson Day, 2002

Proclamation 7605 of October 8, 2002

Leif Erikson Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson and his crew
journeyed across the Atlantic seeking unknown lands.
Their pioneering spirit of courage, determination, and
discovery helped to open the world to new exploration
and unprecedented development. Each October, we join
our friends in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and
Finland in honoring this historic voyage and in
celebrating the strong transatlantic bonds that exist
between those countries and the United States.

Our Nation is committed to promoting prosperity and
stability throughout Northern Europe. Through the
Northern Europe Initiative, we have partnered with
other nations in the region to enhance security and
economic growth in the Baltic region. This Initiative
addresses concrete needs in six areas: the environment;
public health; law enforcement and rule-of-law; civil
society; energy; and trade. Our Nation also supports
the European Union's ``Northern Dimension'' strategy,
which aims to strengthen the integration of Northwest
Russia and the accession countries to the European
Union. These important efforts, along with the
bilateral programs of all Nordic countries, are helping
to build a brighter future for the entire region.

As we defend ourselves against terrorism, we are
grateful for the support of our coalition partners
around the world, including our Nordic friends and
allies. The goodwill demonstrated by the people of this
region has reinforced our close ties and strengthened
our resolve to overcome the evil that is before us. As
we celebrate Leif Erikson Day, we recommit ourselves to
a world of innovation, prosperity, and opportunity.

To honor Leif Erikson, the brave son of Iceland and
grandson of Norway, and to recognize our Nation's
Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint
resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2,
1964, has authorized and requested the President to
proclaim October 9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson
Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9,
2002, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-
American heritage.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B