Leif Erikson Day, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7483 of October 9, 2001

Leif Erikson Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Leif Erikson Day, we join our friends in Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to celebrate and
pay homage to our shared ideals and commemorate the
contributions of Nordic Americans to our culture. We
honor the explorers who led the first Viking
explorations at the beginning of the last millennium,
and we pay tribute to the many Nordic pioneers who
helped to explore and settle America's 19th Century
frontiers. The Nordic and American peoples share the
virtues of courage, resourcefulness, and self-reliance,
and they have built nations based on the principles of
liberty, justice, and equality.

Leif Erikson and his men braved the unknown and risked
their lives to become the first Europeans to set foot
on North American soil. As we reflect upon Erikson's
groundbreaking achievements and marvel at the adversity
and dangers he and his explorers endured, we are
thankful for their great endeavor and recognize that
achieving difficult goals requires people who are
courageous and willing to sacrifice, who take action
and take risks.

Today, American researchers and entreprenuers,
including many of Nordic descent, are making landmark
discoveries in the fields of genetics, information
technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Through our Northern European Initiative and the
``Northern Dimension'' program that Scandinavian
countries have sponsored, we are deepening our
cooperation and connections with the Baltic region,
building regional links in Northwest Russia, and
renewing historic trade relationships. And, we are
working closely with our Nordic Allies in NATO by
helping to provide for the region's common defense and
stability. These and other efforts to improve the world
mark the citizens of theUnited States as a people
possessing virtues that echo those of Leif Erikson and
the first Vikings who landed on our northern shores.

To honor Leif Erikson, the brave son of Iceland and
grandson of Norway, and our Nordic American heritage,
the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-66)
approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized and
requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each
year as Leif Erikson Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9,
2001, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-
American heritage.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B