Columbus Day
The second Monday of every October, Americans across the U.S. pay tribute to one man for his discovery of the new world; Christopher Columbus. It has been over 500 years since that historic day, making the world a rounder place. Until Columbus’ discovery, people thought the world was flat and taking a ship beyond certain waters meant death.
Sailing at sea for two months, many of Columbus' crew gave up in ever finding land and wish to turn back. However, Columbus insisted, demanded his crew to sail forward and October 12, 1492, land was spotted. Originally, Columbus called this new land San Salvador for he believed he had reached an island off the cost of the East Indies, but in fact, he landed in the Americas.
The roots of Columbus Day as a special American holiday began in 1792 with a group called the Colombian Order. These group of Italian-American immigrants organized a New York City ceremony commemorating the 300th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the new world. In 1892, in honor of the 400th anniversary, President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation, an official document celebrating this historic moment.
It was not until 1905 that Colorado became the first state to make October 12th as an official holiday. In later years, other states did the same. It was 32 years later that President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared October 12th as a U.S. official holiday. In 1971, Congress decided to move the official observance to the second Monday of every October.
Columbus’ discoveries five centuries ago lead to one of the greatest countries to ever to be developed, the United States. Deep within the American fabric is the character to pay respect to those who came before it and show gratitude for a country’s historical past. The United States in return for its discovery allows people from all over the world to come to its golden doors of opportunity and build up the symbol of hope for freedom and liberty.
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This chapter was taken out of the Immigration Bible by Zila Katz and Esq.Dotan Cohen, Adv. Get your copy today
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Tom Wright
Editor in Chief
GCUS PRESS