Columbus Day, 2002

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 7606--Columbus Day, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7606 of October 9, 2002

Columbus Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In August 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed from Palos,
Spain, embarking on a westward voyage and intending to
establish a new trade route from Spain to the Far East.
With three ships and a crew of approximately 100 men,
he journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of
finding a new route to the Indies, Columbus discovered
the Bahama Islands. Today, more than five centuries
later, Americans continue to celebrate Columbus' bold
expedition and recognize his pioneering achievements as
an enduring symbol of imagination, courage, and
perseverance.

Columbus brought European settlers to North America and
helped establish a new era of world exploration during
his four journeys to the ``New World.'' In the years
following his voyage of discovery, others such as John
Cabot, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan followed
Columbus' example to explore and discover new lands,
peoples, and cultures.

Today, Columbus' spirit of innovation and discovery
flourishes in America as we seek to advance knowledge
and ensure prosperity and hope for all people. We
challenge our young men and women particularly to reach
for all their dreams as the great explorers of the past
did.

In commemoration of Columbus' remarkable journey 510
years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution of April
30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as
amended, has requested that the President proclaim the
second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus
Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
14, 2002, 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
ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B