[Title 3 CFR 7828]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2005 Edition]
[Title 3 - Presidential Documents]
[Proclamation 7828 - Proclamation 7828 of October 7, 2004]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]


3Presidential Documents12005-01-012005-01-01false7828Proclamation 7828Presidential Documents
Proclamation 7828 of October 7, 2004

Leif Erikson Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 1,000 years ago, Leif Erikson led his crew on a journey across 
the Atlantic, becoming the first European known to have set foot on 
North American soil. Every October, we honor this courageous Viking 
explorer, his historic voyage, and the rich heritage of Nordic 
Americans.

[[Page 98]]

Immigrants from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden and their 
descendants have made great contributions to our Nation in the fields of 
business, politics, the arts, education, agriculture, and other areas. 
Nordic Americans have also made a significant mark on our country's 
society and culture, and have helped to establish and define America's 
most cherished principles. Their energy and spirit have inspired others, 
and their courage, skill, and determination have played an important 
role in the development of our country. Today, millions of people in the 
United States trace their origins to these Nordic countries, and their 
contributions to America make our country stronger and better.
On this day, we also recognize our longstanding ties to these nations 
that were home to the ancestors of many Americans. Together, we continue 
to work to advance prosperity, expand freedom, and increase stability 
and security in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
To honor Leif Erikson, the courageous son of Iceland and grandson of 
Norway, and to celebrate our citizens of Nordic-American heritage, the 
Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 
2, 1964, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 
9 of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2004, 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 four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH