Columbus Day: A time for Italians to be proud

“Honoring Indigenous People’s Day — and giving Columbus the boot — is right call for Tacoma,” (Matt Driscoll column, 10/1).

In October, throughout the U.S., people celebrate Columbus Day, the day that Christopher Columbus landed in “The New World.”

This is a particularly special celebration for those of Italian descent.

Italian-Americans take pride in the fact that Columbus was Italian (born Christoforo Columbo in Genoa, Italy in 1451), and that he was a courageous leader who persevered in his quest to find India by a new route.

But Columbus Day is not just a celebration of his sailing achievements; it is also a celebration of Italian history and culture. It is a day to celebrate being Italian.

As Italian-Americans, we try to pass on to the next generation the importance of what Columbus Day stands for and to honor Christopher Columbus.