Leif Erikson Day, 2010

Proclamation 8581 of October 8, 2010

Leif Erikson Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over 1,000 years ago, the lure of discovery led Leif
Erikson--a son of Iceland and grandson of Norway--and
his crew on an ambitious exploration of present-day
Greenland and Canada. Centuries later, after a months-
long ocean voyage, a group of Norwegians landed in New
York City on October 9, 1825, the first large group of
immigrants to arrive in the United States from Norway.
To commemorate that event and pay tribute to our rich
Nordic-American heritage, we celebrate Leif Erikson Day
in honor of the first European known to set foot on
North American soil more than a millennium ago.

Countless immigrants who crossed the Atlantic on
voyages to the New World looked to Leif Erikson as a
symbol of fortitude and a hero who did not turn back in
the face of danger and uncertainty. Leif Erikson's bold
courage echoes in the daring and intrepid spirit of the
pioneers who built and shaped our young country, and in
the determination, self-reliance, and innovation of the
Nordic settlers who made enduring contributions to the
American character. Today, Nordic Americans
immeasurably enrich our national life as neighbors and
leaders in communities across America.

Guided by the strength and resolve of Leif Erikson and
the countless Nordic immigrants who came in his wake,
let us steadfastly reach for the promise of tomorrow.
It is their spirit of exploration and progress that
helped forge our great country, and that will continue
to guide us as we strive for a better and brighter
future.

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9,
2010, 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 ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.