[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      CELEBRATING THE GREENPOINT-WILLIAMSBURG COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of New York

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the eighth 
annual Columbus Day parade to be held in my district on Sunday, October 
9. Conducted by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of 
Greenpoint-Williamsburg, the parade will kick off from the St. Francis 
of Paola Church following the 11:30 Mass.
  Founded in 1986, the federation is comprised of eight-member 
organizations from Greenpoint and Williamsburg areas of New York City. 
Its mission is to make Greenpoint-Williamsburg a richer place for its 
residents, and to help those who are in need. The federation also 
organizes services for legal immigrants who wish to be naturalized, 
organizes townhall meetings, and fosters and encourages pride in the 
achievements of Italians and Italian-Americans.
  Sunday's parade will recognize the accomplishments of one of Italy's 
most famous native sons, Christopher Columbus. Convinced that there was 
a western route to Asia, Columbus convinced King Ferdinand and Queen 
Isabella of Spain to finance his historic voyage across the Atlantic. 
Setting sail in August 1492, it was only through his outstanding 
navigational skills and sheer determination that Columbus landed in the 
Bahamas almost 2 months later.
  He would make three more trips across the Atlantic, trying 
desperately to find the Asian continent, which was actually thousands 
of miles to the west. Nonetheless, his expedition helped launch the 
Italian Renaissance, and changed the course of Western civilization 
forever.
  The Columbus Day Parade will mark these accomplishments, as well as 
the achievements of all Italians and Italian-Americans. The grand 
marshal of this year's parade will be Vincent Abate. Mr. Abate is the 
head of community Board 1, and is a founding member of the federation. 
In addition to his work with the foundation, he serves as chairman of 
the School Settlement House, and is a leader of the American Legion.
  Mr. Speaker, I have great admiration for the Federation of Italian-
American Organizations of Greenpoint-Williamsburg, and its work toward 
bettering the community. I urge my colleagues to take time on this 
Columbus Day to salute the tremendous contributions of Italians, and 
Italian-Americans, in shaping this country's history.

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