Columbus Day Parades Take Different Paths
American Indians and descendants marched in an anti-Columbus Day parade, and hours later Italian Americans celebrated the explorer’s arrival in the New World.
Hundreds of people waved Italian flags, played music and carried red, white and green balloons at an afternoon parade to honor Christopher Columbus. Protesters ripped down barricades and chanted “shame on you,” saying the European settlement of America decimated native people.
Columbus Day parade organizer George Vendegnia, founder of the Sons of Italy in America, called it a success and said he planned future parades.
“We’re here to celebrate our heritage and our rights,” he said.
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