Sponsored by:
Senator JOSEPH PENNACCHIO
District 26 (Essex, Morris and Passaic)
Senator ANTHONY R. BUCCO
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
SYNOPSIS
Supports preservation of Columbus Day as federal and State holiday.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution supporting the preservation of Columbus Day as a federal and State holiday.
Whereas, The voyage of Christopher Columbus, which culminated with his landing in the New World on October 12, 1492, is an historic event that has been celebrated in the United States since the colonial period; and
Whereas, In 1892, on the 400th anniversary of Columbus' landing, President Benjamin Harrison issued the first official proclamation urging United States citizens to celebrate the day to honor Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in April of 1934, proclaimed Columbus Day a federal holiday, and since 1970, this country has observed Columbus Day as a federal holiday on the second Monday in October of each year; and
Whereas, Italian-Americans observe Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage, and as a day to recognize the contributions of their ancestors and culture to America and the world; and
Whereas, Columbus Day is celebrated throughout the United States with many observances and events, the largest of which is the Columbus Day Parade in New York City, which was first held in 1792 and has been held annually since 1929; and
Whereas, Unico National, the nation’s largest Italian-American service and charitable organization based in Fairfield, New Jersey, the Order Sons of Italy in America, the New Jersey Italian and Italian-American Heritage Commission, and many other organizations are fighting to preserve the long-standing tradition of celebrating Columbus Day as a day significant not only to Italian-Americans but to all Americans; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper for this House to recognize the significance of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas and to honor and celebrate this historic achievement; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House supports preserving Columbus Day as a federal and Sate holiday.
2. Copies of this
resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the
Secretary of the Senate to the leaders of Unico National, the Order Sons of
Italy in America, and the New Jersey Italian and Italian-American Heritage
Commission, to the President of the United States, and to each member of
Congress elected from this State.
STATEMENT
This resolution supports preserving Columbus Day as a federal and State holiday. Americans have celebrated Columbus’ voyage, which culminated in his arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492, since the colonial period. Since 1970, the federal government has recognized Columbus Day as a federal holiday taking place on the second Monday in October of each year. This House recognizes the significance of Columbus’ arrival in the New World and expresses its support of the Columbus Day holiday as a day to honor and celebrate Columbus’ historic achievement.