WASHINGTON–President Donald Trump kicked off Thursday’s White House Cabinet Meeting, the eighth since he returned to office in January, by signing proclamations to observe Leif Erickson Day and Columbus Day.

The first proclamation declared Thursday, October 9, Leif Erikson Day in honor of Erikson, a Viking explorer who traversed the Atlantic Ocean about 1,000 years ago, discovering Newfoundland.

“This is a hugely important holiday, particularly to Scandinavian Americans who celebrate his legacy as a great explorer, as a devout Christian, and really just a fascinating individual in the history of our continent,” said White House staff secretary Will Scharf as Trump signed the order.

Trump emphasized that Leif Erikson Day “is very important for Scandinavians,” before Scharf presented him

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