Presidential Document2021-22513
Leif Erikson Day, 2021
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 14, 2021
Signed
October 8, 2021
Issuing agencies
Executive Office of the President
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57005-57006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22513]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 196 / Thursday, October 14, 2021 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 57005]]
Proclamation 10280 of October 8, 2021
Leif Erikson Day, 2021
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The voyage of Leif Erikson and his valiant crew--bold
explorers from Scandinavia, believed to have been the
first Europeans to reach the shores of North America--
has been a source of inspiration to Nordic Americans
for generations. Although they made landfall more than
a millennium ago, their historic journey still embodies
the spirit of exploration and the ongoing contributions
of Nordic Americans to the diversity of our great
Nation.
Eight centuries after Leif Erikson's expedition, on
October 9, 1825, six Norwegian families arrived in New
York City in search of freedom and opportunity. This
first group of organized Norwegian immigrants to the
United States blazed a new path that fellow
Norwegians--as well as Danes, Finns, Icelanders, and
Swedes--soon followed, establishing communities in the
Great Lakes States, in the northern Great Plains, in
enclaves among northern United States cities, and
elsewhere across our country. These Northern European
settlers have become part of America's rich tapestry,
and through service, sacrifice, and countless
contributions they have fortified America's culture,
society, and economy.
Today, more than 11 million Americans proudly trace
their ancestry to Nordic countries. Nordic Americans
are leaders in our communities--public officials
serving their constituents, law enforcement officers
and service members defending our Nation, doctors and
nurses, educators, artists, essential workers leading
us through the pandemic, visionaries creating new
businesses, and so many other important roles. Our
Nation is stronger and more dynamic because of the
contributions of Nordic Americans. On Leif Erikson Day,
we express our appreciation for the many contributions
of Nordic Americans, who have enhanced American society
and strengthened our cultural diversity.
While the great era of Scandinavian immigration
occurred more than a century ago, the legacy of Nordic
immigrants endures, along with the values and interests
we share with their original homelands--including
increasing opportunity for all and recognizing the
inherent dignity of every human being. We share mutual
commitments to democracy, freedom, human rights, rule
of law, security, and prosperity, and Nordic countries
remain some of our most reliable military allies and
economic partners, helping us meet the shared
challenges of our time. The United States greatly
values our continued friendship.
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 9th
of each year as ``Leif Erikson Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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,
2021, 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.
[[Page 57006]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
sixth.
<GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2021-22513
Filed 10-13-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F2-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 14, 2021.
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