Speech #880272798

I suggest. Mr. Chairman. that without In any way minimizing the honor which we seek to do to the memory of Columbus and without in any way deprecating the honor we pay him as an Italian. but because of him and because he was Italian we consider Columbus Day as National Immigrant Day. What greater honor could we pay to the discoverer of our country than to pause each October 12 as we commemorate his birth date and think. too. of our other forebearers for whom he opened the door of America. Columbus Day has long been proclaimed a holiday in some States and in many localities. I believe the time has come when all Americans in every State and in every localityAmericans of all faiths and descendants of all nationalities should observe Columbus Day as a national holiday to be observed with fitting ceremonies. Americansnative born and adoptedall have reason to be reminded of the historio deeds and actions of our immigrant forefathers. All of us need to be reminded of Christopher Columbus bravery. his tenacity. and his courage of convictions which established him as an example for all the multitude of not only his fellow countrymen but the men and women of other nations who would follow him to these shores. We speak reverently of George Washington as the "Father of our Country." We may speak equally as reverently of Christopher Columbus as the "Father of our Continent." It is my hope.