INTRODUCTION 2007 PARADE 2008 PARADE WHAT THEY SAID WHAT WE SAW

Columbus Day in New York

Cesara Buonamici

Journalist
TG 5 deputy director

The commemoration of October 12th has two essential meanings: on one hand, it is a celebration of international spirit, of the “Discovery,” of an ante litteram globalization; on the other, it is a celebration of identity, in this case, Italian identity.
Combining these two features makes this date a day of peace. That is why the development of this spirit is very important. The encounter between worlds, when peaceful, is nothing other than a day of brotherhood.

Prof. Luciano Caglioti

Pro-rector of Research, Development and Corporate Relations
University of Rome La Sapienza

The Columbus Day festival reminds us not only of one of the most significant turning points of humanity, it also celebrates a victory over prejudice. Prejudice kills initiative: if the Earth is flat, sailing is a waste of time. If you need to harness the vital force in order to synthesize organic substances, any attempt is worthless. But Columbus tried, and Wohler tried, too, proving that the human mind by itself can achieve some kind of synthesis..
So the world goes on, in a constant struggle between superstition, prejudice, and, fortunately, flashes of genius that expand the horizons of knowledge.

Dr. Gianfranco Imperatori

General secretary
Civita Association

Columbus Day is a celebration of Italian values. It underlines what Italians have done and can do. Though hundreds of years have passed, we are still very proud that the New World holds the balance of power in the world. Moreover the Italo-Americans, who number several million, immortalize their traditions and values and keep their roots alive.