Proclamation 3033—Columbus Day, 1953

Whereas four hundred and sixty-one years ago Christopher Columbus sailed out toward the setting sun on a quest that culminated in the discovery of a new continent; and

Whereas the supreme faith and resolution which brought this intrepid explorer to the Western Hemisphere may serve as a challenge to all who aspire to larger fields of human endeavor; and

Whereas the Congress of the United States, in recognition of the unique accomplishments of Christopher Columbus, authorized and requested the President, by a resolution approved on April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), to issue a proclamation designating October 12 of each year, the anniversary of the discovery of America, as Columbus Day:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Monday, October 12. 1953, as Columbus Day, and I invite the people of the Nation to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies in their homes, their schools, and their churches, and in other suitable places. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all Government buildings on Columbus Day in honor of that great Admiral who opened the door of a new territorial world and a new world of opportunity.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this 22d day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-eighth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

WALTER B. SMITH,

Acting Secretary of State