[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7720 of October 10, 2003
 
Columbus Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

When Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in August 1492, he launched
an era of discovery and exploration that continues today. On Columbus
Day, we honor this Italian explorer's courage and vision, and recognize
his four journeys to the ``New World.''
One of the first known celebrations of Christopher Columbus'
achievements was in 1792 when a ceremony in New York City celebrated the
300th anniversary of his landing in the Bahamas. Italian Americans began
regularly honoring Columbus in the 1860s. In 1892, President Benjamin
Harrison issued a Presidential proclamation on the 400th anniversary of
Columbus' first voyage, describing Columbus as ``the pioneer of progress
and enlightenment.'' The United States now celebrates a national holiday
in honor of Columbus.
Columbus' willingness to sacrifice the comfort of his home to pursue the
unknown has inspired generations of daring explorers. Through the years,
Americans have followed in the spirit of Columbus through exploration of
land, sea, and space, and are fulfilling Columbus' great legacy. Since
the days of Columbus, millions of Italian immigrants have crossed the
ocean and come to the United States. These Italian Americans and their
descendants have made America stronger and better.
In commemoration of Columbus' journey, the Congress, by joint resolution
of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as

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amended, has requested that the President proclaim the second Monday of
October of each year as ``Columbus Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2003, 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 Christopher Columbus.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH