Columbus Day, 2003

Proclamation 7720 of October 10, 2003

Columbus Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in August
1492, he launched an era of discovery and exploration
that continues today. On Columbus Day, we honor this
Italian explorer's courage and vision, and recognize
his four journeys to the ``New World.''

One of the first known celebrations of Christopher
Columbus' achievements was in 1792 when a ceremony in
New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of his
landing in the Bahamas. Italian Americans began
regularly honoring Columbus in the 1860s. In 1892,
President Benjamin Harrison issued a Presidential
proclamation on the 400th anniversary of Columbus'
first voyage, describing Columbus as ``the pioneer of
progress and enlightenment.'' The United States now
celebrates a national holiday in honor of Columbus.

Columbus' willingness to sacrifice the comfort of his
home to pursue the unknown has inspired generations of
daring explorers. Through the years, Americans have
followed in the spirit of Columbus through exploration
of land, sea, and space, and are fulfilling Columbus'
great legacy. Since the days of Columbus, millions of
Italian immigrants have crossed the ocean and come to
the United States. These Italian Americans and their
descendants have made America stronger and better.

In commemoration of Columbus' journey, 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
13, 2003, 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
tenth 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