Hudson Reporter
Dear Editor:
The New York City Department of Education took a giant step backwards when it re-designated Columbus Day as “Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples Day.” This endeavor simply represents the latest effort to eliminate Columbus Day. When one thinks about it, Columbus Day is a holiday for everyone; it is not just an “Italian thing.” Throughout the years, Italian-Americans, Hispanics, and other groups have embraced this holiday as an occasion to celebrate and commemorate their culture and ethnic heritage.
The voyages of Christopher Columbus represent a tremendous human achievement. Collectively, they symbolize a documented “first encounter.” For many, the journeys of Christopher Columbus epitomize the voyages of – and to – freedom and a better life. Columbus has been an endearing and enduring inspiration to all immigrants: People from far-away lands who possess the courage and determination to take a chance by coming to the New World