Monday, October 12, 2009

Columbus Day

Interesting that traditional "Columbus Day" which is October 12 falls on the uniform Monday Holiday Columbus Day this year.

I have no problem, notwithstanding my native American heritage, recognizing a historical figure who contributed in a way to the development of who we are. Every schoolchild used to learn that this Italian sailor under the auspices of a Spanish ruler set out to find a west-bound route to the Far East and failed completely. But serendipity nevertheless bestowed fame upon this man.

Controversy regarding his achievements and what they mean rages now and will doubtless continue to do so for generations to come.
517 years ago today, it is asserted, this mariner landed in the Western Hemisphere. And the rest is history, whatever the interpretation thereof may be.
Cristobal Colon, Spanish Admiral of the Oceans c. 1451 - 1506 RIP
Posthumus portrait by Ghirlandaio
[Happy Birthday, son-in-law Martin]

2 comments:

blushing rose said...

We can be grateful for his adventuresome curiosity & for landing in this beautiful country.

History is being rewritten to suit individuals, unfortunately, so Lord only knows what will be taught in another few years about this history.

Have a wonderful crisp autumn day. TTFN ~Marydon

vanilla said...

Marydon, what is really disheartening, and scary, is that in some elementary schools today the children are being led to the conclusion that Columbus was a "bad guy." Even to "trying" and "convicting" him.

Don't even want to think about how dumb some "smart" people are.