Columbus Day, 2018

Proclamation 9801 of October 5, 2018

Columbus Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In 1492, Christopher Columbus and his mighty three-ship
fleet, the Ni[ntilde]a, Pinta, and Santa Maria, first
spotted the Americas. His historic achievement ushered
in an Age of Discovery that expanded our knowledge of
the world. Columbus's daring journey marked the
beginning of centuries of transatlantic exploration
that transformed the Western Hemisphere. On Columbus
Day, we commemorate the achievements of this skilled
Italian explorer and recognize his courage, will power,
and ambition--all values we cherish as Americans.

Columbus's spirit of determination and adventure has
provided inspiration to generations of Americans. On
Columbus Day, we honor his remarkable accomplishments
as a navigator, and celebrate his voyage into the
unknown expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. His expedition
formed the initial bond between Europe and the
Americas, and changed the world forever. Today, in that
spirit, we continue to seek new horizons for greater
opportunity and further discovery on land, in sea, and
in space.

Although Spain sponsored his voyage, Columbus was, in
fact, a proud citizen of the Italian City of Genoa. As
we celebrate the tremendous strides our Nation has made
since his arrival, we acknowledge the important
contributions of Italian Americans to our country's
culture, business, and civic life. We are also thankful
for our relationship with Italy, a great ally that
shares our strong, unwavering commitment to peace and
prosperity.

In commemoration of Christopher Columbus's historic
voyage, 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, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 8, 2018, 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
fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.