As the President stated at the signing ceremony: It is fitting now that we give national expression to our faith in the spirit of discovery embodied by this great adventurer. This new holiday will henceforth honor one of our finest and most cherished national characteristicsour ability to live and work together. men and women of all national origins. as one united and progressive nation. Despite the particular pride of Americans of Italian heritage in the first immigrant from Italy. I should stress that the legislation adopted by the Congress and signed by the President calls for the observance of Columbus Day each year as "a day for honoring the United States as a nation of immigrants." As a symbol of courage. as the discoverer of America. as an inspiration to the millions of Americans of both Italian descent and nonItalian descent. who came to this country in search of new opportunity and to contribute to the Nations development. Columbus is truly a hero of all Americans. By commemorating the momentous voyage of Columbus to the New World. we are paying fitting tribute to the courage and determination which enabled generation after generation of immigrants from all lands to broaden their horizons in search of new hope and a renewed affirmation of freedom. The strength of our Nation has been built from many groups from many lands. As Americas first truly great poet wrote over a century ago: We are not merely a nation. but a nation of nations.
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