Ronald Reagan

“ Those who followed in the path he had opened built a new world whose economic, political, and social development have been marvels of human energy and ingenuity. People from across the globe have come to America to find freedom, justice, and economic opportunity.
Columbus exemplified a spirit which still inspires all Americans-a spirit of reaching out, expanding the frontiers of knowledge, a spirit of undaunted hope. ”

“ We are privileged each year to pay honor to the great explorer whose epic voyages of discovery led to the development of the Western Hemisphere. Christopher Columbus won an imperishable place in history and in the hearts of all Americans by challenging the unknown and defying the doubters. ”