Leif Erikson Day, 2016

Proclamation 9519 of October 7, 2016

Leif Erikson Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 1,000 years ago, an intrepid Scandinavian
explorer, Leif Erikson, embarked on a voyage that
landed him on the North American coast. A son of
Iceland and grandson of Norway, Erikson and his crew
are believed to be the first Europeans to reach the
shores of our continent, founding the Vinland
settlement in modern-day Canada. Today, we recall Leif
Erikson's historic journey as we seek to carry forward
the bold spirit of exploration that has inspired Nordic
Americans for generations.

Eight centuries after Leif Erikson's trip, six families
of Norwegians boarded a ship called Restauration bound
for New York City. Following in Erikson's footsteps,
these individuals sought the promise of freedom and
opportunity America offered and became the first group
of organized American immigrants from Norway. Millions
of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to Nordic
countries, raised by parents and grandparents who
crossed oceans to carve out new lives for their
families and help steer the course of our country. The
United States and our Nordic partners are united by
ties of family and friendship, history and heritage.
Earlier this year, I was proud to welcome Nordic
leaders to the White House. This visit illustrated many
of the values and interests we share--including
increasing opportunity for all and recognizing the
inherent dignity of every human being.

Nordic countries remain some of our most reliable and
effective partners, steadfastly helping us meet the
shared challenges of our time. We remain grateful for
their friendship, and for the ways the Nordic people
have influenced our country and enhanced the American
melting pot. On Leif Erikson Day, as we express our
appreciation for the myriad contributions of Nordic
Americans, let us remember the discovery that set this
profound history in motion.

To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American
heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law
88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized
the President of the United States to proclaim October
9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9,
2016, 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
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-first.