CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HONORED AT COLORFUL UNION STATION CEREMONY
AMHS was well-represented at the annual ceremony to honor Christopher Columbus held at Union Station in Washington, DC on October 12, 2015. The impressive and colorful ceremony took place on a beautiful sunny day in front of the statue of the great explorer erected in 1912. The U.S. Marine Band provided the musical tribute, playing the national anthems of Italy, Spain, and the United States. The Knights of Columbus in their colorful regalia, carrying the flags, added to the pageantry.
The event was organized by the National Christopher Columbus Association (NCCA) in collaboration with the National Park Service, with the involvement of many fraternal, civic and cultural associations including the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). Proclamations by President Barack Obama and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser were read, and we heard from Carlo Romero, First Counselor of the Embassy of Italy, Enrique Sarda Valla, Counsel General of the Embassy of Spain, and the Ambassador of the Bahamas.
The Spanish Counsel General gave a brilliant talk explaining why the standards of today should not be used to judge the actions of 500 years ago, and putting into historical context the criticisms of Columbus concerning the treatment of indigenous people. Another highlight of the event was the award given to the firstprize winner of the essay contest conducted by NIAF and the Daughters of the American Revolution. The winner was Claud J.A. Boyd, a mechanical engineering student from Aiken, SC. In introducing him, NCCA President James McCusker noted that Columbus would be proud of him for making his way here despite the devastating floods and hurricane in South Carolina. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the floral wreaths and the singing of “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
A fitting tribute to the Great Discoverer!! And the day before, Holy Rosary Church had its own Columbus ceremony, following a Mass in his honor. Father Ezio Marchetto gave the invocation, and the weather was beautiful as the speakers and parishioners gathered in front of the statue of Columbus donated by the Lido Civic Club in 1992.