Columbus Day, 2018

In simple terms

This proclamation designates October 8, 2018 as Columbus Day and calls for appropriate ceremonies, activities, and display of the U.S. flag on public buildings to commemorate Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage and honor Italian American contributions.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 51615

Record & deadlines

Oct 5, 2018Signed
Signed by the President
Oct 11, 2018FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 83 FR 51615
Federal Register PDF
Oct 8, 2018
Columbus Day observance and flag display on public buildings

Key directives

Proclaim October 8, 2018 as Columbus Day
Call upon people of the United States to observe with appropriate ceremonies and activities
Direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day

What to expect

Immediate

Proclamation issued October 5, 2018

Near term (90d)

Columbus Day observance on October 8, 2018

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Contested historical narrative: document celebrates Columbus without acknowledging Indigenous peoples or harms of colonization, which generates ongoing cultural/political tension
Annual proclamation type with no policy novelty