Barack Obama: First European in America - Leif Erikson

Leif Erikson was the first European in America and 9 October is the official Leif Erikson Day in the United States. This was acknowledged recently by the US President Mr. Barack Obama.

Many people believe that it was Christopher Columbus who was the first European in the Americas, thus "discovered the Americas." Columbus was there in 1492 whereas Leif Erikson was there around the year 1000.

In 1964 the White House publicly declared 9 October as Leif Erikson's Day to comemmorate the fact that Leif was indeed the first European in the Americas.

In a statement released in 2009, Mr. Obama said: "Today, our Nation continues to welcome those descendents of Leif Erikson to our shores. Nordic Americans have contributed immeasurably to the success of America. Their cultural accomplishments have enriched the diversity of our country. And their pioneering spirit continues to embody our Nation's unbounded enthusiasm for discovery and learning."

And continued: "To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day.""

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2009, as Leif Erikson Day, and I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our country's rich Nordic-American heritage."