Leif Erikson Day, 2025

Proclamation 10979 of October 9, 2025

Leif Erikson Day, 2025

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than a millennium ago, legendary Norse Viking Leif
Erikson forever changed the course of history when he
fearlessly embarked on a daring expedition into the
unknown, becoming the first European to ever set foot
in the New World. This Leif Erikson Day, we summon his
courage, we honor his enduring legacy of adventure and
exploration, and we renew our resolve to advance the
limits of human achievement.

According to tradition, Leif Erikson's zeal for
adventure began as a young man in Greenland, where he
heard stories of distant lands across the sea.
Determined to chart those waters himself, and guided by
his deep Christian faith, he assembled a brave crew and
set sail, voyaging more than 1,800 miles across the
Atlantic Ocean through brutal winds and storms. With
courage in his veins and faith in his God, Erikson
realized his purpose when he reached the shores of a
land he called ``Vinland,'' known today as L'Anse aux
Meadows at the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada.

With this incredible discovery, Leif Erikson became the
first European to land in North America and cemented
his place as one of the great explorers in world
history. He returned home a hero, bringing with him the
exciting news of uncivilized lands. His achievement
inspired countless explorers to venture into North
America, and ultimately paved the way for the first
American settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, more than
600 years later.

Leif Erikson's triumphant spirit of exploration has
continued to define the American story--from the
pioneers who tamed the Western frontier to the Apollo
11 astronauts who proudly planted the Stars and Stripes
on the Moon. His legacy lives on through the millions
of Americans who proudly share in his Nordic ancestry.
These patriots have embodied the same character of
courage and resolve, and have immensely enriched our
history, our culture, and our communities. My
Administration continues to strengthen our bonds with
the proud Nordic nations from which Erikson came.
Together, with our allies in Norway, Sweden, Denmark,
Iceland, and Finland, we are advancing fair trade and
promoting peace through strength--ensuring a safer and
more prosperous future for America and the North
Atlantic.

As we celebrate the heroic life of the great Leif
Erikson, we embrace his legacy, recognize the
contributions of the millions of Nordic Americans, and
recommit to advancing the timeless drive of discovery
that has always stood at the heart of America's
destiny.

To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of
Norway, and to celebrate our 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2025, as
Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to
celebrate the achievements

and contributions of Nordic Americans to our Nation
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.