Columbus Day, 2024

Proclamation 10838 of October 11, 2024

Columbus Day, 2024

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Today, we celebrate the proud heritage of Italian
Americans in our Nation, whose contributions and
character have shaped our country's soul.

I believe we are the only Nation in the world with a
heart and soul that draws from old and new. For some
Italian-American families, the stories they share about
their ancestors' lives in this country stretch back
generations. They are stories about immigrants who left
everything behind to sail across an ocean and chase the
American Dream for the hope of a brighter future. They
are stories about ancestors who helped build this
country and found America's middle class--and their
traditions and recipes still bring joy to their
families today. They are stories of Italian-American
artists, laborers, lawmakers, and leaders who never
gave up on the idea of America. And for many Italian
Americans, the story of Christopher Columbus' voyage
crossing the Atlantic from the Spanish port of Palos de
la Frontera on behalf of Queen Isabella I and King
Ferdinand II remains a source of pride. But no matter
if their families arrived here centuries ago or only
recently, Italian Americans' courage, strength, and
character are woven into the rich tapestry of our
country.

For many Italian Americans, the lives of their
ancestors in this country were not always easy. In
addition to the challenges of starting life in a new
land, they also faced discrimination. Columbus Day was
founded by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892 in
response to the horrific, xenophobic attack that took
the lives of 11 Italian Americans the year before. In
the face of hate, Italian Americans persisted--
advancing our Nation and challenging us to live up to
our highest values.

My Administration also recognizes that Italian
Americans are a source of strength in our country's
unshakeable alliance, strategic partnership, and deep
friendship with Italy. The ties between our countries
are founded on our shared values and principles:
democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Both
of our nations take pride in standing with the brave
people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against
Russia's illegal aggression.

Today, may we honor the history and heritage of Italian
Americans and all that they have done to help realize
the full promise of America for generations.

In commemoration of Christopher Columbus' historic
voyage 532 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution
of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C.
107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim
the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus
Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim
October 14, 2024, as Columbus Day. I direct that the
flag of the United States be displayed on all public
buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse
history and all who have contributed to shaping this
Nation.

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