Columbus Day, 2019

In simple terms

This proclamation designates October 14, 2019 as Columbus Day, commemorating Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage and celebrating Italian-American heritage. It calls for appropriate ceremonies and directs that the U.S. flag be displayed on all public buildings on that day.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 55491

Record & deadlines

Oct 11, 2019Signed
Signed by the President
Oct 17, 2019FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 84 FR 55491
Federal Register PDF
Oct 14, 2019
Columbus Day observance and flag display on public buildings

Key directives

Proclaim October 14, 2019 as Columbus Day
Call upon people to observe with appropriate ceremonies and activities
Direct that U.S. flag be displayed on all public buildings on October 14, 2019

What to expect

Immediate

Proclamation issued October 11, 2019

Near term (90d)

Columbus Day observance on October 14, 2019

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Annual proclamation continues tradition despite growing contemporary controversy over Columbus's legacy and Indigenous Peoples' Day alternatives; text does not acknowledge Native American perspectives or historical harms