Proclamations Proc. 7606 mination, and discovery helped to open the world to new exploration and unprecedented development. Each October, we ioin our friends in Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland in honoring this historic voyage and in celebrating the strong transatlantic bonds that exist between those countries and the United States. Our Nation is committed to promoting prosperity and stability throughout Northern Europe. Through the Northern Europe Initiative, we have partnered with other nations in the region to enhance security and eco- nomic growth in the Baltic region. This Initiative addresses concrete needs in six areas: the environment; public health; law enforcement and rule-of- law; civil society; energy; and trade. Our Nation also supports the European Union's "Northern Dimension" strategy, which aims to strengthen the inte- gration of Northwest Russia and the accession countries to the European Union. These important efforts, along with the bilateral programs of all Nordic countries, are helping to build a brighter future for the entire region. As we defend ourselves against terrorism, we are grateful for the support of our coalition partners around the world, including our Nordic friends and allies. The goodwill demonstrated by the people of this region has re- inforced our close ties and strengthened our resolve to overcome the evil that is before us. As we celebrate Leif Erikson Day, we recommit ourselves to a world of innovation, prosperity, and opportunity. To honor Leif Erikson, the brave son of Iceland and grandson of Norway, and to recognize our Nation's Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by ioint 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, 2002, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, ac- tivities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7606 of October 9, 2002 Columbus Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In August 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed from Palos, Spain, embarking on a westward voyage and intending to establish a new trade route from Spain to the Far East. With three ships and a crew of approximately 100 men, he journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of finding a new route to the Indies, Columbus discovered the Bahama Islands. Today, more than five centuries later, Americans continue to celebrate Columbus' bold 147
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