Leif Erikson Day, 2019

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9946 of October 8, 2019

Leif Erikson Day, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Leif Erikson Day, we honor the spirit of
exploration, courage, and faith that led this legendary
Viking and his crew to sail across the Atlantic in
search of new lands and opportunities more than a
thousand years ago. His dream--to venture beyond the
known horizon and redefine the impossible--still
defines and inspires Americans today.

Leif Erikson's undaunted life of exploration began in
Iceland--the same location where the Apollo 11 crew
trained for its historic journey to the surface of the
Moon. The bold spirit that propelled Erikson and his
fellow mariners across an unknown ocean is the same
spirit that carried our brave astronauts into space 50
years ago, and it is what continues to fuel our desire
to unlock the mysteries of the universe and pursue the
exploration of Mars.

Americans share strong bonds with the homelands of the
Vikings. Millions of Americans proudly trace their
ancestry to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and
Sweden. All of these nations help keep our
transatlantic community strong. They stand shoulder to
shoulder with us as North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allies or partners to enhance regional peace and
stability. And as members of the Arctic Council, we
work together to promote sustainable growth, scientific
research, and environmental protection in the High
North while maintaining the region as an area of low
tensions.

Nordic Americans contribute each day to the rich
tapestry of our country by their self-reliance, drive,
spirit of adventure, and cultural traditions. On this
day, we pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of
Leif Erikson, and we celebrate the daring dreams, big
vision, and passion for discovery of all people of
Scandinavian heritage.

To honor Leif Erikson, son of Iceland and grandson of
Norway, and to 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, 2019, as
Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to
celebrate the achievements and 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 nineteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
fourth.