Governor Andrew Cuomo as the Grand Marshal Of 2020’s Virtual New York Columbus Day
The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non- profit organization based in New York City, with the purpose of spreading the Italian culture and the appreciation of the Italian-American heritage and achievements through cultural events and activities. The Foundation is also in charge of organizing the annual Columbus Celebration, an event that has been taking place on New York’s Fifth Avenue ever since 1929.
As this year being a particular one and activities going virtual, Columbus Day adjusted to social distancing and online streaming. The 76thannual annyversary was celebrated with a Virtual Gala that took place on Saturday, October 10, a distanced Wreath Laying at Columbus Circle on Sunday, October 11 and a broadcast on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12.
The broadcast aired on ABC7/WABC-TV New York and live streamed online on abc7ny.com. It was conducted by Governor Andrew Cuomo, that after the long enduring but successful fight with the pandemic and times of crisis, as well as the strong ties to his Italian heritage, was named the 2020 Grand Marshal for the event by being a true example for the Italian American community. The announce played tribute to the Governor itself and also celebrated the contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans in history by giving exclusive interviews to the most-known Italo-Americans of this era.
“The Governor’s calm and dedicated approach in dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 virus made him a natural candidate for our Foundation to honor as our virtual parade leader in 2020,” Ms. Pardo, Columbus Citizens Foundation President, said. “Though we find ourselves holding all our traditional events in a different manner these days, we are thrilled to have him as our Grand Marshal.”
On the broadcast, Governor mentioned many of the Italian cultural legacies that he is still entailed in, passed through generations and still honoring the knowledge his parents and grandparents thought him, and how, as a leader, uses these lessons. “Tell people the truth. Be direct. Don’t be afraid. Protect one another. Operate as a family. And believe in ourselves and believe that we can overcome. That is the beautiful legacy of the Italian American people. The immigrant experience drawn to America’s promise of opportunity and always dedicated to improving America”, said Cuomo.
A very moving speech was not all that Columbus weekend had to offer. As last year’s celebration promise, The Foundation created a statue of Mother Cabrini as an allegory to the Italian American legacy personification. A true hero, model and inspiration for the community, she founded 67 schools, orphanages and hospitals across the city, and now she finally got the recognition Cabrini deserved with a statue in Battery Park City, looking directly at the Statue of Liberty.
Despite of the actual crisis and situation, Columbus Day turned out to be as successful as other years, even a more moving one. Now, New York City has two statues that commemorate the Italian legacy in the US, Christopher Columbus and Mother Cabrini. Both symbols will serve to educate future generations and empower the true legacy of the community.
– Alex Heymert Siles
