ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10648ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10648

Columbus Day, 2023

President Biden proclaimed October 9, 2023, as Columbus Day, honoring Italian American heritage and contributions to the United States. The proclamation commemorates the 1892 establishment of the holiday following the 1891 mass lynching of Italian Americans and directs U.S. flags to be displayed on public buildings.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 70571

Impact dates

  1. Columbus Day flag display on public buildings

Key directives

  • Proclaim October 9, 2023, as Columbus Day
  • Direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day

Timeline

Immediate

  • Flag display directive for October 9, 2023

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Annual recurring commemoration (second Monday of October)

Risks & tensions

  • Holiday remains culturally contested; some jurisdictions and groups observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead
  • Proclamation balances celebration of Italian American heritage against historical critiques of Columbus
Proclamation 10648: Columbus Day, 2023 · Executive Orders