Across the United States and Nordic communities worldwide, Leif Erikson Day was commemorated with renewed pride in the legacy of the first European to set foot in North America.

This year’s observance, marked by a presidential proclamation, honored the daring voyage of Leif Erikson, the legendary Norse explorer who sailed from Greenland over 1,000 years ago and landed in what is now Newfoundland, Canada nearly 500 years before Columbus. His journey to “Vinland” is celebrated as a symbol of courage, curiosity, and the enduring spirit of discovery.

President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation emphasized Erikson’s deep Christian faith and the bravery of his crew, who crossed 1,800 miles of stormy Atlantic waters to reach the New World. “We summon his courage, we honor his enduring legacy of adventure and exploration, and we renew our resolve to advance the limits of human achievement,” the statement read.

Events across the country included educational programs, cultural exhibitions, and tributes to Nordic-American contributions in science, politics, and the arts. In Minnesota, home to one of the largest Scandinavian-American populations, local schools hosted reenactments and history fairs. In New York and Washington, D.C., Nordic embassies held receptions celebrating shared heritage and transatlantic ties.

Historians also used the occasion to highlight Erikson’s role in reshaping historical narratives. “Leif Erikson Day reminds us that history is intricate,” noted a feature from Riverbender News, pointing out that Erikson’s voyage challenges the conventional story of the New World’s ‘discovery’.

First recognized nationally in 1964, Leif Erikson Day continues to serve as a cultural bridge honoring the past while inspiring future generations to explore, innovate, and connect across borders.