Columbus Day, 2011

Proclamation 8735 of October 7, 2011

Columbus Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his
crewmembers sighted land after an ambitious voyage
across the Atlantic Ocean. The ideals that guided them
to this land--courage, determination, and a thirst for
discovery--have inspired countless Americans and led to
some of our Nation's proudest accomplishments. Today,
we renew our commitment to fostering the same spirit of
innovation and exploration that will help future
generations reach new horizons.

Ten weeks before his arrival in the Americas, Columbus
and his crewmembers set sail from Spain in search of a
westward route to Asia. Though their journey was
daring, it did not yield the trade route they sought.
Instead, it illuminated a continent then unknown to
Europe, and established an unbreakable bond between two
distant lands.

These explorers, and countless others that followed
them, encountered indigenous peoples that had lived in
the Western hemisphere for tens of thousands of years.
On this day, we also remember the tragic hardships
these communities endured. We honor their countless and
ongoing contributions to our Nation, and we recommit to
strengthening the tribal communities that continue to
enrich the fabric of American life.

Columbus returned to the Americas three more times
after his first historic voyage, and his journey has
been followed by millions of immigrants, including our
Nation's earliest settlers and Founders. Born in Genoa,
Italy, Christopher Columbus was the first in a proud
tradition of Italians to cross the Atlantic to our
shores. Today, we recognize their indelible influence
on our country and celebrate the remarkable ways
Italian-Americans have shaped the American experience.

The excitement Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers
experienced that October morning is felt every day by
today's pioneers: entrepreneurs and inventors,
researchers and engineers. On the anniversary of
Christopher Columbus's voyage, we celebrate the pursuit
of discovery as an essential element of the American
character. Embracing this heritage and inspiring young
people to set their own sails, our Nation will reach
the shores of an ever brighter tomorrow.

In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic
voyage 519 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution
of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C.
107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim
the second Monday of October of each year as ``Columbus
Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October
10, 2011, 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 our diverse
history and all who have contributed to shaping this
Nation.

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