Italian Americans came out in force in Little Italy Sunday in a show of solidarity following the removal of two Christopher Columbus statues in the city. Demonstrators said what they want moving forward is a seat at the table when it comes to figuring out what the future holds for those statues.

“This is our history so much history so many memories,” Ron Onesti said. “Now it’s gone, taken in the darkness of night while so many fought to keep it here where it belonged.” Some became emotional while speaking about a statue that has shown up in so many family photographs.  “Should this be taken as an insensitive slap in the face to all Italian Americans? Without a doubt,” Onesti said.