Columbus Day Reflections

I am watching the Columbus Day Parade in Chicago on TV and I am so proud of my Italian heritage.. I see so many of my Italian students there! I just love what the coming of Columbus to America represents. Through my studies of Italian, I continually learn to appreciate all of the Italians’ and Italo-Americans’ contributions to our modern society: free market-economics, the security of the rule of …law, a unique sense of human rights and freedom, charity as a virtue, spendid art and music, exquisite food, a philosophy grounded in reason, modern science and aboveall, a sense of sacredness of all human life with a special respect and love for women. Christopher Columbus may be a controversial figure to some but what is undeniable is that through the persistance and vision of this Genovese sailor, his dream came true and it transformed the world. I am so proud of Josette Weber, a great woman in the Italian community who was the Grand Marsahll and who epitimizes the charitable HEART of so many of the Italo-American people, companies and organizations represented at the parade. May we as Italians and Italo-Americans continue to foster the importance of faith, family,community, tradition, and charity. La vita e bella! Happy Belated Columbus Day to all! It’s wonderfult o see so many people embrace the Italian heritage of Chicago!