The Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy celebrated Columbus Day in the south end of Springfield Monday morning.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy celebrated Columbus Day in the south end of Springfield Monday morning.
Christopher Columbus himself was Italian, despite having completed his voyage from Spain. Attendees of the celebration told 22News that this holiday means more to them than a 3-day weekend.
The Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy hosted a Columbus Day celebration in front of the Christopher Columbus statue in Springfield. City officials and public figures embraced their Italian heritage and the sacrifice of those before them.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno described the Italian immigrant’s role in America’s foundation, “Many Italian Americans came over with a bunch of nothing. They came over here looking for an opportunity to be able to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities. Italian Americans built America.”
This statue doesn’t just pay tribute to Christopher Columbus. It also pays tribute to Italian American war veterans who tragically passed away during World War II. The statue was constructed by the city over 60 years ago to commemorate the holiday and Springfield’s large Italian community.
Salvatore Circosta, President of Sons & Daughters of Italy in Springfield, spoke about the recent controversy over the naming of the holiday. “I have no problem with an Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but it doesn’t have to cancel out Columbus Day. We have 365 days in a year to take one day out and to destroy it for someone else doesn’t make sense nor would I encourage that for anyone.”
Circosta also mentioned that they’re planning to bring back the Columbus Day Parade next year.
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