In 1492, Christopher Columbus and his mighty three-ship fleet, the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria, first spotted the Americas.  His historic achievement ushered in an Age of Discovery that expanded our knowledge of the world.  Columbus’s daring journey marked the beginning of centuries of transatlantic exploration that transformed the Western Hemisphere.  On Columbus Day, we commemorate the achievements of this skilled Italian explorer and recognize his courage, will power, and ambition — all values we cherish as Americans.

Columbus’s spirit of determination and adventure has provided inspiration to generations of Americans.  On Columbus Day, we honor his remarkable accomplishments as a navigator, and celebrate his voyage into the unknown expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.  His expedition formed the initial bond between Europe and the Americas, and changed the world forever.  Today, in that spirit, we continue to seek new horizons for greater opportunity and further discovery on land, in sea, and in space.