US President Donald Trump proclaimed “Christopher Columbus Day” on October 13, one day after the day on which the admiral arrived on the island of San Salvador, attacked the “erasure of history” that he attributes to the “radical left” and congratulated the Italians.
“Columbus Day; we are back, italians“Trump said to applause when signing the document after his cabinet meeting, in a veiled reference to the dual recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day for that same holiday by his predecessor, the Democrat Joe Biden.
The text of the proclamation, sent by the White Housecelebrates the legacy of Colónwhom he calls “the original American hero, a giant of Western civilization and one of the bravest and most visionary men who have walked the face of the earth.”
But he also accuses the “radical left” of leading against Columbus “a vile and merciless campaign to erase” a shared history, “slander” the heroes and “attack” the American heritage.
“Under my leadership, those days are over and our nation will now be left with a simple truth: Christopher Columbus was a true American hero and every citizen is eternally indebted to their tireless determination,” the text reads.
Noting Columbus’ Italian origin and ignoring recent research based on DNA recovered from the explorer’s body, the proclamation highlights his expedition financed by the Spanish Crown aboard the Niña, the Pinta and the Santamaría.
Its objective, according to traditional historiography, was “to discover a new trade route to Asia, bring glory to Spain and spread the word of Jesus Christ to distant lands.”
“Upon arrival (to America), planted a majestic cross in an act of great devotion, dedicating the land to God and putting into practice America’s proud legacy of faith. Although initially believed to have reached Asia, its discovery opened to Europe the vast frontier and incalculable splendors of the New World,” the White House speculates.
The text ends with recognition of Italian-Americans and their contribution to US culture, advocates strengthening ties between Italy and the US and urges “to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”