Leif Erikson Day, 2025

Proclamation 10979 of October 9, 2025 Leif Erikson Day, 2025 A Proclamation More than a millennium ago, legendary Norse Viking Leif Erikson forever changed the course of history when he fearlessly embarked on a daring expedition into the unknown, becoming the first European to ever set foot in the New World. This Leif Erikson Day, we summon his courage, we honor his enduring legacy of adventure and exploration, and we renew our resolve to advance the limits of human achievement. According to tradition, Leif Erikson's zeal for adventure began as a young man in Greenland, where he heard stories of distant lands across the sea. Determined to chart those waters himself, and guided by his deep Christian faith, he assembled a brave crew and set sail, voyaging more than 1,800 miles across the Atlantic Ocean through brutal winds and storms. With courage in his veins and faith in his God, Erikson realized his purpose when he reached the shores of a land he called “Vinland,” known today as L'Anse aux Meadows at the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada. With this incredible discovery, Leif Erikson became the first European to land in North America and cemented his place as one of the great explorers in world history. He returned home a hero, bringing with him the exciting news of uncivilized lands. His achievement inspired countless explorers to venture into North America, and ultimately paved the way for the first American settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, more than 600 years later. Leif Erikson's triumphant spirit of exploration has continued to define the American story—from the pioneers who tamed the Western frontier to the Apollo 11 astronauts who proudly planted the Stars and Stripes on the Moon. His legacy lives on through the millions of Americans who proudly share in his Nordic ancestry. These patriots have embodied the same character of courage and resolve, and have immensely enriched our history, our culture, and our communities. My Administration…