Although Christopher Columbus was Italian. the day that bears his name has become a truly national celebration. Although I share with my fellow Americans of Italian heritage a special pride in Columbus achievement. Columbus Day is a time for Americans of all ethnic backgrounds to rejoice in the diversity of our country and to appreciate the fact that we are a nation of immigrants. For we not only honor the man responsible for the discovery that changed the worldwe honor the land that he discovered. America became a great country because of the millions of individuals who followed Columbus. from all over the world. who sought a better life and were given the opportunity in this country to achieve their full potential. We celebrate the "father of immigration" and all of those who came after him. as well as his spirit of adventure and willingness to risk tremendous odds for what he believed in. Columbus Day is a tribute to the courage and persistence of the American spirit. It is a great honor to be a guest at this years 16th Annual Columbus Day Celebration and Parade in Newark.
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