Leif Erikson Day, 2018

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9802 of October 8, 2018

Leif Erikson Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than a millennium ago, Leif Erikson sailed across
the frigid Atlantic and set foot on North America,
likely becoming the first European to reach our
continent. On Leif Erikson Day, we celebrate the
extraordinary journey made by this son of Iceland and
grandson of Norway with his crew and recognize the
immeasurable contributions that generations of Nordic
Americans have made to our Nation.

After converting to Christianity in Norway, ``Leif the
Lucky'' set out to bring the Gospel to settlers in his
native Greenland. During his extensive travels, he
landed on the northern Atlantic coast, expanding
mankind's knowledge of then-uncharted territory.
Centuries later, many Nordic families followed his
example and set sail for America with the same
determination and grit. After much struggle and
sacrifice, these intrepid men and women arrived on our
shores with hope for a better life.

Today, we recognize the descendants of immigrants from
Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland for the
tremendous role they have played in developing the
indomitable spirit that defines the American people.
Nordic Americans have traveled in space, crisscrossed
the globe by single-engine monoplane, and advanced
knowledge in science and engineering. Nordic Americans
have won Oscars, Grammy Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and
Nobel Prizes. They have fought--and died--in each of
our Nation's wars.

We also reflect on the deep and enduring ties we have
with the Nordic countries. They are among our greatest
allies in the fight against terrorism, and they are
important trading partners. We renew our commitment to
continue strengthening these transatlantic
relationships.

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, 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 9, 2018, as
Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to
celebrate the contributions of Nordic Americans to our
Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth 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.