107 STAT. 2742 PROCLAMATION 6608—OCT. 8, 1993 trace their roots to the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—^not only continue to enrich their new homeland, but also play a key part in providing a link across the Atlantic, just as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. In honor of Leif Erikson and of our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on September 2, 1964 (Public Law 88-566), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day." NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 1993, as Leif Erikson Day. I also encourage the people of the United States to observe this occasion by learning more about our rich Nordic-American heritage and the early history of our continent. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereimto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth. , WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6608 of October 8, 1993 Columbus Day, 1993 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During 1993 the world has embarked on new trails to expand himaanity's horizons and to promote the betterment of the human condition. As we look with hope to the futm-e, we also pay homage to our past and to those who have helped shape our Nation and continent. It is therefore fitting that the voyages of Christopher Coliunbus be remembered. I welcome this opportunity to salute this man of great coiirage, who, in deHance of popular myth and hardship, had the vision to explore the unknown. Even though the Quincentennial celebrations of Coliunbus' landfall are past, it is still our duty to promote understanding between the old and new worlds. It is important to commemorate the mutual discovery of Europeans and Native Americans and the transformations, through toil and pain, that gave birth to brave new hopes for a better future. For the United States, it is especially significant that we recognize the daring voyages of Christopher Coliunbus. As a people whose land was founded on dreams, we proceed today, just as Columbus did, with courage to overcome obstacles and search for new paths to lead us into an unknown, but promising, future. Many people in the United States have special reason to remember and celebrate the histories of the old and new worlds. America, a Nation of diverse peoples, has been enriched by the blending of many heritages. Americans of international descent, along with Native Americans, have contributed mightily to molding the framework of our great land, united by our allegiance to the principles of equality, democracy, and
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