The controversy surrounding statues in this country has intensified and Christopher Columbus statues have been damaged, defaced or removed. Our statue on the Memorial Parkway is now a target of that same controversy. A petition to remove the statue has been started online by an individual who may have been from this area but who now lives out of state.

Many American Italians are being challenged — regarding Christopher Columbus — by ill-informed people. Many only follow what other people appear to say and don't have all the facts. Many just jump on the bandwagon truly feeling it will improve communication or are looking to have some demands met. Sadly, many young Americans of Italian descent know very little about their culture and heritage.