[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 123 (Thursday, October 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, October 9th is Columbus Day. Columbus Day 
is more than just a celebration of the great explorer, Christopher 
Columbus, it's about the achievements of Italian-American heritage and 
the vision of our entire nation.
  Italian-Americans came to this country with little, but we've left a 
large mark on our history and culture. I look at my own family and feel 
the same way--I started with little and hopefully will leave a mark on 
the Southeast, Texas area. My mother, who did not graduate from high 
school, but earned a G.E.D. on her 80th birthday, successfully raised 
six children by herself after my father died when I was young. She 
produced an artist, a doctor, a college teacher, successful business 
people, and a United States Congressman--not too bad.
  In 1492, a brave and noble explorer with nothing but dreams landed in 
a vast and foreign land full of promise--America. Although he can be 
considered a controversial figure because Americans born here in what 
is now the U.S. certainly lost during European expansion, his courage 
and desire for success made him a hero to all.
  Columbus Day celebrates our proud people and recognizes the unique 
Italian-American experience. With strong leadership and eternal pride, 
Italian-American communities not only in Southeast Texas, but also 
around the nation, have distinguished themselves through a strong sense 
of family and dedication to their youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe the most valuable and most powerful influence 
Christopher Columbus has on our nation and in our human history is 
vision. All Americans can draw inspiration from the character and 
accomplishments of Columbus.
  With his sense of vision, courage, imagination, and optimism, we can 
create a future bright with promise and a new world where all of us can 
pursue our dreams. For we have the power to shape the vision of this 
nation today, tomorrow, and into the next century.

                          ____________________