The true American spirit has been and is about achieving the impossible through exploration, scientific research, innovation and creativity. From the earliest migrations across the Bering Strait to the successful landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars, America continues to remarkably inspire the dreamers, the courageous, the adventurers and the resolute to reach farther, to build greater and to strive to make America that more perfect Union.
With that spirit in mind, we propose that Columbus Day be rededicated as Exploration Day.
Essentially, the vast majority of Americans, regardless of background or political orientation, should celebrate federal holidays. Columbus Day no longer fits the litmus test of credibility and relevance for many people. Re-dedicating Columbus Day as Exploration Day will allow those who wish to commemorate his accomplishments to continue doing so. But for those who find Columbus's role in history disquieting, it will enable them to celebrate the day in a very different way. Exploration Day covers the depth and breath of America’s rich history of exploration, research and discovery. Thus, Exploration Day will be something that unites rather than divides.
Exploration is a broad topic, but the exploratory spirit is not. It's a human characteristic that drives adventure, and progress while satisfying the insatiable need to know what's over the next horizon. Exploration Day is a day to celebrate where we've been, but more importantly, where we could go if we all put our minds and efforts together for a common goal. It's both a celebration of our past as well as our future.
The true American spirit has been and is about achieving the impossible through exploration, scientific research, innovation and creativity. From the earliest migrations across the Bering Strait to the successful landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars, America continues to remarkably inspire the dreamers, the courageous, the adventurers and the resolute to reach farther, to build greater and to strive to make America that more perfect Union.
With that spirit in mind, we propose that Columbus Day be rededicated as Exploration Day.
Essentially, the vast majority of Americans, regardless of background or political orientation, should celebrate federal holidays. Columbus Day no longer fits the litmus test of credibility and relevance for many people. Re-dedicating Columbus Day as Exploration Day will allow those who wish to commemorate his accomplishments to continue doing so. But for those who find Columbus's role in history disquieting, it will enable them to celebrate the day in a very different way. Exploration Day covers the depth and breath of America’s rich history of exploration, research and discovery. Thus, Exploration Day will be something that unites rather than divides.
Exploration is a broad topic, but the exploratory spirit is not. It's a human characteristic that drives adventure, and progress while satisfying the insatiable need to know what's over the next horizon. Exploration Day is a day to celebrate where we've been, but more importantly, where we could go if we all put our minds and efforts together for a common goal. It's both a celebration of our past as well as our future.