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60 Years Old and Still Marching
Deputy Prime Minister of
Italy Gianfranco Fini Honoree Marshall atthe Columbus Day Parade
From left to right: Deputy Prime
Minister Gianfranco Fini, Columbus Citizens Foundation,
President Lawrence Auriana and the Italian Consul General in New
York Antonio Bandini
Every second Monday in October, since 1929, the Columbus
Citizens Foundation celebrates the voyage by Christopher
Columbus to these shores. This year marks the 60th annual march
down Fifth Avenue. The Grand Marshal will be race car driver
extraordinaire Mario Andretti and the Honoree Marshal will be
Deputy Prime Minister of Italy Gianfranco Fini.
The marching bands, the Broadway entertainers, the dancers, the
cheerleaders are so much fun to watch and hear that people often
forget the serious purpose behind the parade. Yes, it is to pay
homage to a great explorer and celebrate Italian pride, but it
is also a major fundraiser for the Foundation’s scholarships.
The Columbus Citizens Foundation’s focus is truly education. All
the money raised by the parade and different events goes
directly to their scholarship endowment. These funds create
opportunities for individuals to fulfill their potential-to
discover, to create, to contribute to their world. This worthy
purpose supports students of all levels who face challenging
circumstances.
In 1984 President Ronald Reagan signed a special proclamation
that recognizes Columbus Day as a Federal holiday. This year’s
parade will be broadcast live from on NBC from noon to 3:30PM.
It will reach millions in North America, South America, and
Europe.
From left to right: Italian
Ambassador Sergio Vento , Deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini
with Dr. Joseph Scelsa
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