[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7606]

Proc. 7606

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

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          expedition and recognize his pioneering achievements as an 
          enduring symbol of imagination, courage, and perseverance.
          Columbus brought European settlers to North America and helped 
          establish a new era of world exploration during his four 
          journeys to the ``New World.'' In the years following his 
          voyage of discovery, others such as John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, 
          and Ferdinand Magellan followed Columbus' example to explore 
          and discover new lands, peoples, and cultures.
          Today, Columbus' spirit of innovation and discovery flourishes 
          in America as we seek to advance knowledge and ensure 
          prosperity and hope for all people. We challenge our young men 
          and women particularly to reach for all their dreams as the 
          great explorers of the past did.
          In commemoration of Columbus' remarkable journey 510 years 
          ago, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and 
          modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as 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 14, 2002, 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 ninth day 
          of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of 
          the Independence of the United States of America the two 
          hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH