This has to be one of our, the US's, most controversial holidays. I think celebrating it only became a big deal after the US Civil War when folks were trying to find things to make the country feel united. Other holidays, like Thanksgiving, maybe the same. The first four federal holidays were not recognized until 1870, New Year's, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in 1880 George Washington's birthday was added. At first this was just for the District of Columbia.
It was the first public symbol of the Italian American community in our city.
Interesting that many now believe Columbus wasn't Italian! And even if he was from Genoa he would not have thought of himself as Italian...
If we tear down all our history; we will become a nation with no history
I agree, leave the monuments in place, but add to them. One of my favorite examples was the "Battle of Liberty Place Monument" in New Orleans, it was often called the monument to white supremacy. An 1890's monument to the end of reconstruction and the return of Jim Crow, the inscription read, in part:
"
McEnery and Penn having been elected governor and lieutenant-governor by the white people, were duly installed by this overthrow of carpetbag government, ousting the usurpers, Governor Kellogg (white) and Lieutenant-Governor Antoine (colored). United States troops took over the state government and reinstated the usurpers but the national election of November 1876 recognized white supremacy in the South and gave us our state."
When I was a student at LSU in the 70s the monument still stood, and was a focal point of civil rights and anti-racist gatherings. I have pictures of Black Panthers making the black power sign on it. Seemed to me to be serving a reasonable purpose, I think it was a good learning tool, showing people how bad things had once been. Its long gone now, a victim of political correctness. In my mind not a good thing...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Liberty_Place_Monument
I agree, our history should not be forgotten, good or bad. However I am not sure Columbus should get a federal holiday.