Proclamation 3203—Columbus Day, 1957

Whereas Christopher Columbus, on his voyage of discovery, made known the existence of a new and wondrous land, with matchless opportunities for mankind; and

Whereas throughout the ensuing centuries the continents of the world have moved closer together in time and space, by means of modern communication and transportation, thus becoming ever more interdependent and aware of their critical need for a just and lasting peace; and

Whereas the imagination and daring of Christopher Columbus aroused the interest and enlisted the aid of many long ago, and continue to encourage all who believe in freedom and in the promise of distant horizons; and

Whereas, in commemoration of the life and work of Columbus, the Congress of the United States, by a joint resolution approved April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating October 12 of each year as Columbus Day:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do by this proclamation designate Saturday, the twelfth day of October, 1957, as Columbus Day; and I invite the people of this Nation to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies in commemoration of the four hundred and sixty-fifth anniversary of the sighting of land by Columbus and his crew on October 12, 1492.

I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on that day in honor of Christopher Columbus.

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 21st day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-second.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

JOHN FOSTER DULLES,

Secretary of State