Today, we celebrate all the Italian Americans, whose courage and character reflect and help define our Nation. In 1891, 11 Italian Americans were murdered in one of the largest mass lynchings in our Nation’s history.  In the wake of this horrific attack, President Benjamin Harrison established Columbus Day in 1892.  

For so many people across our country, that first Columbus Day was a way to honor the lives that had been lost and to celebrate the hope, possibilities, and ingenuity Italian Americans have contributed to our country since before the birth of our republic. More than a century later, we mark Columbus Day with that purpose — celebrating the heritage of Italian Americans, whose hands helped build our Nation and whose hearts have always carried faith in the American Dream.