Leif Erikson Day, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7718 of October 9, 2003

Leif Erikson Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Traveling across the Atlantic as the first Nordic to
lead an expedition to North America, Leif Erikson
showed great courage in the face of danger. His actions
marked the beginning of a longstanding exchange of
people, ideas, and innovations between North America
and the Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
Norway, and Sweden. As the United States celebrates
Leif Erikson Day, we honor his historic voyage and give
thanks for the many contributions of Nordic Americans
to our Nation, and of our Nordic allies.

Since Leif Erikson's voyage, millions of immigrants
from the Nordic countries have come to America. As
teachers, lawyers, judges, doctors, authors, athletes,
artists, scientists, and business people, and in many
other occupations, Nordic Americans have contributed to
America's cultural, political, and economic strength.
America has also benefited from the diplomatic
relationships we have long enjoyed with the Nordic
nations.

To honor Leif Erikson, Nordic-American heritage, and
America's continued relationship with Nordic countries,
the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566)
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,
2003, 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 three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B