COLUMBUS DAY
Among the accidents of history, perhaps most intriguing, is the story of this continent's discovery. Because it has become such a success, particularly the northern, mainly Anglo-Saxon part, there have been many "fathers" claiming to have been the first to set foot here. Alas, were Columbus to have realized that this was not India, his name might have been given to the whole, instead of just Colombia, SA! Still, along with other nations, October 12, 1492, the birthday of Christopher Columbus is an official holiday.
For forty years, the celebration is fixed for the second Monday in October, and, due to the discoverer's pedigree, it has been merged with the ethnic pride that accrues to being not only from Genoa, but Italy, in general! Ironically, given the evolution of the United States as a heaven for immigrants and persecuted minorities, Columbus Day has in the past been associated with the irrational paroxysm of nativist fervor, bringing out such disparate groups as the KKK and Know Nothings to rail against the newcomers to our shores. One beneficial result was the establishment of the well-known Knights of Columbus to champion not only Italo-Americans but also confront the heretofore perennial bigotry against Catholics.
Thus, as we take time out to march or view the traditional parade, enter the malls for sales-grabs, or simply enjoy a legal holiday, let us also take a few minutes to reflect on the glory that is the mosaic we call the United States of America (the name given by cartographer Amerigo Vespucci, aware of the special land Columbus happened upon).
Prof Asher J Matathias, TJHS, Class of '61
First Landing of Columbus on the Shores of the New World, after the painting by Discoro Téofilo de la Puebla
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