Leif Erikson Day, 2006

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8063 of October 4, 2006

Leif Erikson Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Leif Erikson Day honors a great son of Iceland and
grandson of Norway who became one of the first
Europeans known to reach North America. This day is
also an opportunity to celebrate the generations of
Nordic Americans who have contributed to our country
and strengthened the ties that forever bind the United
States with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and
Sweden.

Like the crew of risk takers that Leif Erikson boldly
led on a quest to find new lands, Americans have always
valued the ideals of exploration and discovery. A
desire to seek and understand inspired their voyage
more than a millennium ago, and it remains a central
part of our national character as a new generation
pursues great new goals today. Nordic Americans
continue to make valuable contributions to our society
that have expanded human knowledge and helped make our
world a better place.

To honor Leif Erikson and to celebrate our citizens of
Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint
resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2,
1964, has authorized 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,
2006, 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
fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.