It was a dream for 23 years, even though it lacked funds. Shipped from Italy in seven crates, it has survived car crashes, vandalism, erosion and more. Today, standing at the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Bellevue Avenue, the monument is a tribute to the Italian people who forged it.

On Oct. 9, Newport Festa Italiana will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Christopher Columbus Monument, which was erected on Oct. 12, 1953. A special commemorative ceremony is being planned, with the progeny of the original committee standing physically and symbolically at the base.