Columbus Day, 2014

Proclamation 9193 of October 10, 2014

Columbus Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When Christopher Columbus--a son of Genoa, Italy--set
sail across the Atlantic, no one could imagine the
profound and lasting impact he would have on the world.
In search of a westward route to Asia, he instead
spotted the Bahamas. As dawn broke on October 12, 1492,
Columbus's crew set foot on a Caribbean island and
changed the course of history. For much of Europe, this
marked the discovery of the New World, and it set in
motion the more than five centuries that have followed.

In a new world, explorers found opportunity. They
endured unforgiving winters and early hardship. They
pushed west across a continent, charting rivers and
mountains, and expanded our understanding of the world
as they embraced the principle of self-reliance.

In a new world, a history was written. It tells the
story of an idea--that all women and men are created
equal--and a people's struggle to fulfill it. And it is
a history shared by Native Americans, one marred with
long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and
deprivation.

In a new world, a Nation was born. A resolute people
fought for democracy, liberty, and freedom from
tyranny. They secured fundamental rights to expression,
petition, and free exercise of religion and built a
beacon of hope to people everywhere who cherish these
ideals.

Columbus's historic voyage ushered in a new age, and
since, the world has never been the same. His journey
opened the door for generations of Italian immigrants
who followed his path across an ocean in pursuit of the
promise of America. Like Columbus, these immigrants and
their descendants have shaped the place where they
landed. Italian Americans have enriched our culture and
strengthened our country. They have served with honor
and distinction in our Armed Forces, and today, they
embrace their rich heritage as leaders in our
communities and pioneers of industry.

On Columbus Day, we reflect on the moment the world
changed. And as we recognize the influence of
Christopher Columbus, we also pay tribute to the legacy
of Native Americans and our Government's commitment to
strengthening their tribal sovereignty. We celebrate
the long history of the American continents and the
contributions of a diverse people, including those who
have always called this land their home and those who
crossed an ocean and risked their lives to do so. With
the same sense of exploration, we boldly pursue new
frontiers of space, medicine, and technology and dare
to change our world once more.

In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic
voyage 522 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
13, 2014, 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
tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.