Columbus Day is the only immigrant holiday. It is in danger of being eliminated as a result of misinformation disseminated by several vocal groups in cities and towns across the United States. Clearly they do not understand the discrimination they foster. Most recently this trend has struck New Hampshire.
As described under "About Us", Columbus Day was founded as an apology to Italian immigrants who were victims of what is considered to be the largest lynching in American history. Over the decades since its founding, the holiday evolved into a way for millions of American citizens - immigrants and their descendants - to express their appreciation for being in America. They worked hard and educated their children with the goal of achieving the American Dream. Columbus Day recognizes the contributions of immigrants toward the values and progress of our great nation.
As a result, the elimination of this holiday is an insult not just to Italian Americans, but to all immigrant groups.
Fortunately, through the efforts of the Friends of Italian Americans and other groups some progress was made to reverse the trend to eliminate the Columbus Day holiday in New Hampshire. First, a legislative proposal to delete this holiday as an official NH State holiday was defeated. More positively, a new law (HB1014) was passed by both the NH Senate and House that prevents any cities, towns or school systems from renaming any official state holiday, which obviously includes Columbus Day. It was signed by the Governor and is now law. Both of these important actions at the NH State level are described in the “News” section of this website.
The cancelling of Columbus Day has taken hold in several towns in New Hampshire mainly because there has been no meaningful testimony from the descendants of immigrants defending this holiday, and shining a light why its cancellation is an inadvertent and unintended act of discrimination against millions of Americans. The Friends of Italian Americans has been formed to educate our citizens and political leaders on the meaning and history of Columbus Day, and to reverse this adverse trend.
The Friends of Italian Americans have joined together to support and become the voice not only for Italian Americans but all immigrants and their descendants of every ethnic, religious or cultural persuasion, with the hope of ending discrimination against all loyal Americans.
Our Motto
Shining a light on America's past, brightens America's future.