Columbus Day, 2017

In simple terms

President Trump issued a ceremonial proclamation designating October 9, 2017 as Columbus Day, honoring Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage and Italian American contributions while calling for appropriate observances and flag display on public buildings.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 47949

Record & deadlines

Oct 6, 2017Signed
Signed by the President
Oct 13, 2017FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 82 FR 47949
Federal Register PDF
Oct 9, 2017
Columbus Day observance and flag display on public buildings

Key directives

Proclaim October 9, 2017 as Columbus Day
Call upon people to observe with appropriate ceremonies and activities
Direct flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day

What to expect

Immediate

Proclamation issued October 6, 2017

Near term (90d)

Columbus Day observance on October 9, 2017
Flag display on public buildings October 9, 2017

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Proclamation's celebratory framing of Columbus's arrival elides Indigenous perspectives and historical trauma; potential for cultural/political controversy given ongoing debates about Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples' Day, though this tension is extrinsic to the document's own text