Columbus Day, 1995

Proclamation 6836 of October 6, 1995

Columbus Day, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

To pursue ambitious goals and to realize great dreams,
we must be willing to venture away from the familiar
and comfortable. We must show the strength of our
convictions to tackle the challenges, known and
unknown, that stand between us and our hopes for the
future.

Today, Christopher Columbus' extraordinary journeys
stand as inspiring examples of such determination. This
renowned explorer braved the open sea, so feared by his
contemporaries, and revealed the splendors of the New
World to Renaissance Europe over 500 years ago. He
discovered the best use of the North Atlantic wind
system, first described the Equatorial Current, and
initiated the succeeding rapid exploration and
settlement of the Americas.

During the course of his first transatlantic voyage,
Columbus' bold convictions overcame the resistance of
the faint-hearted members of his crew. He led them to
the Canaries, the Bahama Islands, Cuba, and Haiti, and
subsequent sailings took him to other Caribbean
islands, Central America, and Venezuela. As with many
pioneers throughout history, Columbus' limited
understanding of other cultures led to conflicts and
controversies--struggles similar to those that
challenge our world even now. But the enduring fame of
his travels and the opportunity he sought across
uncharted waters remain a call to all who seek
adventure.

A native of Genoa, Columbus' courage and commitment led
him to leave safe shores in pursuit of his goals. But
he could not have made his trips without the support of
the Spanish crown. People of Italian and Spanish
descent continue to energize communities across our
Nation, enhancing every occupation and sector of
American society. We are grateful for their tremendous
contributions and for the ingenuity of spirit that is
Columbus' enduring legacy.

In tribute to Columbus' many achievements, the
Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934 (48
Stat. 657), and an Act of June 28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250),
has requested the President to proclaim the second
Monday in October each year as ``Columbus Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9,
1995, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag
of the United States be displayed on all public
buildings on the appointed day in honor of Christopher
Columbus.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.