WESTFORD — The following piece was submitted by resident Anthony DiLeo for publication and distribution.
Over the last several years there has been a concerted effort to marginalize Columbus and Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day. All of this under the pretext that atrocities occurred because of Columbus coming to the Americas. History chronicles the actual events and the atrocities that took place post Columbus during the Cortez explorations. I invite you to read Chapter 4 in Victor Davis Hanson’s book “The End of Everything” to get a true accounting of these events
In Massachusetts, the displacement of Columbus Day and replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day has been accepted in 20 out of over 300 towns in Massachusetts. There was also legislation in the State house to have this change made state wide.
Well, for those of us who support Columbus and Columbus Day, there has been some very exciting, good news. Three events have taken place in support of our interests.
The legislation that failed to get out of committee several times, finally made it to the floor for a vote this past July. Through the efforts of the Italian American Alliance (IAA) and many citizens, It was defeated! Therefore, Columbus Day remains a recognized holiday in Massachusetts.
The Christopher Columbus statue in the North End which was forcibly removed two years ago, has found a new home, and is again proudly and publicly displayed. The North End Christopher Columbus statue has now been permanently relocated to the Peace Garden at St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish in the North End. One million people visit the Peace Garden every year. It is fitting that the Columbus statue will make it’s home at a parish staffed by Franciscan friars. Pastor Fr. Della Penna draws our attention to some facts about Columbus as laid out by Christine Valentine-Owsik writing for Legatus:
“Christopher Columbus was a secular Franciscan who took Franciscan friars with him on his voyages”.
Lastly and perhaps more importantly, the Italian American Alliance (IAA) joined with The Native American Guardian’s Association (“NAGA”) of North Dekota, to fight Cancel Culture. The two groups will continue to have monthly “Solidarity” Zoom calls to help each other fight against the political efforts to Cancel Our Cultures and heritage. These “Solidarity Sessions – Bridging Cultures Against Cancel Culture” aim to foster understanding, promote dialogue and build solidarity among diverse groups facing challenges from cultural erasure and historical revisionism. Native American and Italian American communities share a common experience of marginalization and misrepresentation in mainstream discourse. Both groups have faced historical injustices and stereotypes that continue to impact their communities today. By joining forces, they aim to confront the harmful effects of cancel culture and reclaim their narratives
Celebrate Columbus Day on October 12th for a lot has been accomplished.
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