Leif Erikson Day, 1995

Proclamation 6837 of October 6, 1995

Leif Erikson Day, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every October, we celebrate Leif Erikson Day and honor
the memory of that great Norse explorer who first set
foot on North American soil nearly a millennium ago. At
a time when mankind has traveled from pole to pole and
even journeyed into the vast reaches of space, Leif
Erikson's bold determination stands as an early example
of the spirit of adventure and enterprise.

This day is an occasion to celebrate the bonds of
friendship that link the United States to the Nordic
countries. For generations, Iceland and her neighbors
have acted as bridges between Europe and North America,
playing a vital role in fostering democracy and free
trade throughout the world. Nordic peoples have long
shared America's love of liberty and have always
reached out to those who struggle against oppression.
Today, we in the United States are proud to work with
our Northern friends to fully reintegrate the Baltic
states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the
Western family of nations. Together we look forward to
a new Europe, united by a common respect for liberty
and equality.

We should also mark this observance by recognizing the
outstanding contributions that citizens of Danish,
Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish descent have
made to our country. Just as their ancestors did before
them, Nordic Americans cherish their ties across the
ocean and bring their many gifts to America's culture,
progress, and prosperity. As we remember Leif Erikson,
whose voyage preceded so many rugged immigrants who
braved the North Atlantic in search of economic,
political, and religious liberties, let us pay tribute
to his courage and renew our commitment to freedom.

In honor of Leif Erikson--son of Iceland, grandson of
Norway--the Congress, by joint resolution approved on
September 2, 1964 (Public Law 88-566), has authorized
and requested the President to designate October 9 of
each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9,
1995, as Leif Erikson Day. I encourage the people of
the United States to observe this occasion with
appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating our
rich Nordic American heritage.

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.