Proclamation 3301—Hudson-Champlain Celebrations

Whereas the year 1959 marks the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the exploratory voyages of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain on the waters which now bear their names; and

Whereas these voyages signaled the beginning of settlements along the Hudson River and in the region of Lake Champlain which have contributed much to the commerce, culture, and traditions of our land; and

Whereas the Congress by an act approved August 8, 1958 (72 Stat. 544), established the Hudson-Champlain Celebration Commission "to develop and execute suitable plans for the celebration, in 1959, of the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the exploratory voyages in 1609 of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain"; and by a joint resolution approved June 25, 1959, has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating 1959 as the year of the Hudson-Champlain Celebrations and calling upon all citizens to join in commemorating the explorations carried out by these heroic men:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate 1959 as the year of the Hudson-Champlain Celebrations; and I invite my fellow citizens to join in commemorating the heroic deeds of these pioneer explorers.

I also urge our schools, patriotic and historical societies, and civic and religious organizations to participate the commemoration of these historic explorations, and to afford all of the people of the United States an opportunity to mark this anniversary with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and festivals.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this twenty-fifth day of June in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-third.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

CHRISTIAN A. HERTER,

Secretary of State