PROCLAMATION 5097—SEPT. 15, 1983 97 STAT. 1621 decent housing instill pride in our citizens and contribute to the vitality of communities throughout America. The resurgence of America's housing industry is both a contribution to and a result of our Nation's economic recovery. The substantial increase in housing starts in 1983, by restoring and creating thousands of jobs in hous- ing and related industries, has been a major factor in the reduction of un- employment. In recognition of our Nation's commitment to housing and homeownership and the role that housing plays in economic recovery, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 98, has authorized and requested the President to Ante, p. 489. issue a proclamation designating the week of October 2 through October 9, 1983, as "National Housing Week." NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning October 2, 1983, as Na- tional Housing Week, and call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe this week with appropriate activities and events. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5097 of September 15, 1983 Leif Erikson Day, 1983 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In the grand tradition of the Nordic seafarers, Leif Erikson's courageous ad- ventures in the North Atlantic represent an enduring symbol of man's re- sourceful response to the challenge of exploration and discovery. Medieval sagas describe supplies of timber and wild grapes which he brought back to Greenland from North America. His exploits offer inspiration for our con- tinuing efforts to conquer fear of the unknown and explore new worlds. Erikson, who was charged by King Olaf I to spread religion among settlers in Greenland, also embodies the tradition of Nordic enrichment of the wider western world. That tradition has been memorably dramatized for Americans during the past year by the Scandinavia Today program across this country. This splendid program has given people in all parts of the United States an admiring new appreciation of the rich cultural and intel- lectual heritage brought to this country by Nordic immigrants and the vital- ity of contemporary life in the Nordic countries. As a mark of respect for the courage of Leif Erikson and the valuable con- tinuing contribution which the Nordic people have made to life in the United States, the Congress of the United States, by joint resolution ap- proved September 2, 1964 (78 Stat. 849, 36 U.S.C. 169c], authorized the Presi- dent to proclaim October 9 in each year as Leif Erikson Day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, October 9, 1983 as Leif Erikson
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