Leif Erikson Day, 2024

Proclamation 10834 of October 8, 2024

Leif Erikson Day, 2024

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate the history and
heritage of Nordic communities in the United States,
whose contributions and cultures have helped shape our
Nation.

Many believe that roughly a millennium ago, Leif
Erikson--a Norse explorer--and his crew were the first
Europeans to reach the shores of North America. His
spirit of adventure, curiosity, and resilience would
inspire generations of Danes, Finns, Icelanders,
Norwegians, and Swedes to sail across an ocean and
begin new lives in America. These immigrants built
bustling homes and enriched their communities,
supporting and realizing the American Dream. They
fought for our freedoms in the military; built new
churches, businesses, and schools; and spearheaded
social movements. Today, Nordic communities continue to
enrich the fabric of the Nation.

Nordic-American communities in the United States are
foundational to our partnership and friendship with our
Nordic Allies and their people. These nations share our
vision for a world based on freedom, security, and
opportunities for all. Together, we are working in
lockstep to tackle the climate crisis and pioneer the
next generation of technology that will power
everyone's economies. We are also standing with the
brave people of Ukraine as they defend themselves
against Russia's brutal assault. I am proud that the
United States supported the ratification process for
Finland to join NATO, which was the fastest
ratification in history. And I was honored to welcome
Sweden as NATO's 32nd Ally earlier this year. Together,
I know that we will continue to stand for freedom and
democracy for generations to come.

Today, may we celebrate the important contributions and
vibrant cultures of Nordic Americans to our Nation. And
may we continue the work that so many Nordic
communities in this country began: ensuring every
American has an opportunity to reach the American
Dream.

To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of
Norway, 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 9 of
each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
October 9, 2024, 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
eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
ninth.