Columbus Day

Today Americans celebrate Columbus Day to remind us of the spirit of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition to America. We celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans and all immigrants who contribute to the greatness of America bringing with them their unique traditions, cuisine and values. It has always been the diversity of America that has always made America great. Today in Manhattan was the 74^th Columbus Day Parade that is the largest celebration of Italian heritage in America. This year they finally spelled the Verrazano Bridge correctly. By now there are third generation Italians living in America many who don’t speak Italian anymore but even if they don’t practice the language they will never forget how to enjoy cook and produce great Italian food, products and maintain the hard working ethics of their poor immigrant grand-parents who worked hard, educated themselves and now prosper in our great economy here in America.

Who doesn’t like all things Italian from the exotic great cars like Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo to the practical Fiat? Who doesn’t want to get into one of those cars wearing Donatella Versace, Miuccia Prada, Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli or Salvatore Ferragamo? And then who doesn’t want to eat fine Italian food by Giada De Laurentis, Rocco Di Spirito or even Hector Boyardee yeah the guy who put pasta in a can. Okay maybe not the can pasta guy. Now back to my great Italian evening. And dine with fine Italian wine from Sardinia, Sicily, Abruzzo and Tuscany? Who doesn’t want to view the great paintings and sculptures by Michelangelo, Picasso and Botticelli? And then there are the great opera singers like Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, Andres Bocelli and Cecilia Bartoli. If you want softer music there are the greats like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Jon Bob Jovi, Madonna and Lady Gaga.   Italy  is only about the size of Florida but it is packed with greatness enjoyed by people all over the world and here in America who embraces the Italian culture with open arms.

Today’s parade went straight down 5th Avenue. Over 100 marching groups performed and 25 parade floats participated in the festivities as well as stage performances. Present were the famous Cuomo Family who have dedicated generations to New York political life. Father Mario the past and son Andrew the present Governor, Journalist Chris Cuomo, Doctor Margaret Cuomo who instituted AP Italian in schools. We have the Gabelli  Funds investment group. The Grand Marshal was Guy Chiarello from the Columbus Citizen Foundation who has donated over $3 million to scholarships for 750 students. Dean Donna Rapaccioli head of the Gabelli Business School at Fordham University from the Bronx who works near the famous Arthur Avenue where anyone can sample the great cold cuts and pastries from Italy.

All ethnic groups are the foundation of America and what they all have in common is that they came to America and learned the language, and came here for one reason and that was to become American. They arrived looking up at the Statue of Liberty and arrived at Ellis Island and from there they became the fabric of this country. All immigrants make this country great.