[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 2006)]
[Page 1749]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8063--Leif Erikson Day, 2006

October 4, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Leif Erikson Day honors a great son of Iceland and grandson of 
Norway who became one of the first Europeans known to reach North 
America. This day is also an opportunity to celebrate the generations of 
Nordic Americans who have contributed to our country and strengthened 
the ties that forever bind the United States with Denmark, Finland, 
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
    Like the crew of risk takers that Leif Erikson boldly led on a quest 
to find new lands, Americans have always valued the ideals of 
exploration and discovery. A desire to seek and understand inspired 
their voyage more than a millennium ago, and it remains a central part 
of our national character as a new generation pursues great new goals 
today. Nordic Americans continue to make valuable contributions to our 
society that have expanded human knowledge and helped make our world a 
better place.
    To honor Leif Erikson 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 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, 2006, 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 fourth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 6, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 10.