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 depreciating 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 historic 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. Mr. Chairman. that your committee will adopt my suggestion and that favorable action will be taken by the Congress to enact the necessary legislation to give all Americans an official national holiday to commemorate the birth date and pay homage to Christopher Columbus and to honor the succession of great foreign born heroes who because of his explorations and discoveries could add their noble deeds to his. On August 15. 1964. the Senate passed that legislation designating Columbus Day. October 12. as a legal holiday but the House failed to take action and the bill died in that 88th Congress.
Keywords matched
Immigrant foreign born