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On Saturday October 11, 2003, I joined with the Sons of Italy at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken to commemorate Columbus Day. I was extremely pleased to join with the over 200 hundred guests present at this event to commemorate the discovery of America. Additionally, Columbus Day is a day to honor the Italian-American culture in our country and I thank the Sons of Italy for inviting me to join with them to mark this important day.
Italian Americans first began to migrate to this country during the 1800's. Out of pride for their native son, the Italian population of New York City organized the first celebration of the discovery of America on October 12, 1866. The next year, more Italian Organizations in other cities held banquets, parades and dances on that date. In 1869, when Italians of San Francisco celebrated October 12, they called it Columbus Day. Like many other immigrant populations, Italian Americans have contributed to the rich and diverse culture of our great country. Our diversity is what separates America from other Nations and what makes our country a global force.
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