; Whereas the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which opened in 1893, was the national celebration of the 400th anniversary to honor Christopher Columbus; Whereas the Pledge of Allegiance was written in honor of the 400th anniversary, and the first United States commemorative coins and stamps were also issued about this event; Whereas in 1905, the governor of Colorado issued a Columbus Day proclamation and, in 1909, signed legislation—without opposition—making Columbus Day a State holiday; Whereas within that year, 10 more States followed in creating a State Columbus Day; Whereas in commemoration of the historic voyage of Christopher Columbus, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, as modified in 1968 (section 107 of title 36, United States Code), has requested the President proclaim the second Monday of each year as Columbus Day ; Whereas Presidents have called upon the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including the display of the United States flag on all public buildings in honor of Christopher Columbus; Whereas by 1968, 45 States observed Columbus Day; Whereas Christopher Columbus had become an ethnic hero as well as a national hero; Whereas Italian Americans played a major role in turning Columbus Day into a full Federal holiday in 1968 (section 6103 of title 5, United States Code); Whereas by commemorating the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World, Congress believed that the Nation would be honoring the courage and determination, which enabled generations of immigrants from many nations to find freedom and opportunity in America; Whereas the history and celebration of Columbus Day in the United States is long and profound; Whereas Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World, almost 500 years ago, is ingrained in our history as a Nation and a people; and Whereas Christopher Columbus, a true hero, represents the spirit of discovery and independence of the United States: Now, therefore, be it