ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10281ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10281

Columbus Day, 2021

President Biden issued the annual Columbus Day proclamation for October 11, 2021, commemorating Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage while also acknowledging the painful history of violence, displacement, and disease inflicted on Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities by European explorers. The proclamation directs that the U.S. flag be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day and calls for reflection on Italian American contributions, Indigenous resilience, and ongoing work toward justice.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 57007

Impact dates

  1. U.S. flag to be displayed on all public buildings for Columbus Day

Key directives

  • Display U.S. flag on all public buildings on October 11, 2021

Timeline

Immediate

  • Flag display directive for October 11, 2021

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Balanced framing risks criticism from both those who view Columbus as a heroic figure and those who view the holiday as celebrating colonialism
  • Vague 'recommit' language on Native communities lacks concrete policy or funding commitments
Proclamation 10281: Columbus Day, 2021 · Executive Orders