NAPLES, Fla. —
A six-foot bronze statue of Christopher Columbus was unveiled at the Knights of Columbus building in Naples, Florida, as part of the state’s 250th celebration to teach future generations about America’s history.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attended the event Thursday and highlighted Columbus’s historical impact. “I think that obviously had Columbus not done his voyage, it’s possible that the United States, as we know it, would never have come into existence,” DeSantis said. He also commented on the removal of statues in other states, saying, “The woke era where these other states are taking those statues down, we’re getting them at a discount. Why not Thomas Jefferson? Half price, let’s do it.”
The statue received mixed reactions from attendees. Florida resident Michael Brennan expressed his disapproval, saying, “I thought it was wrong and kind of a step in the wrong direction.” He added, “He just sailed around the Caribbean like, he never even came to Florida or was not even part of.”
Others supported the statue and the celebration of Columbus. Denise LaRocco, a Florida resident, said, “I think it’s great. I think that we need to continue to celebrate our icons in our lives and our history.” She also said, “I think it should stay Christopher Columbus Day, just like I think it should stay Presidents Day.”
The unveiling also emphasized the connection between Italy and Florida. Michele Misto, consul of Italy, said, “This monument becomes a new point of reference, a reminder of the enduring friendship between Italy and Florida and the role that Italian community wants to continue to play in this beautiful state.”
Tommaso Nardi, a visitor from Italy, shared his thoughts, saying, “Well, I mean, I mean, as an Italian, you know, I think it’s an honor, actually, that, first of all, you know, there is this relationship between Italy and the U.S. that can be reinforced through the statue.”
The Knights of Columbus explained the significance of their name and the statue. Mike Gizewski said, “We took the name Christopher Columbus as Knights of Columbus name is because back in the 1800s, Catholics were being persecuted.” Another representative added, “And we just keep the name for patriotism, and we are not here to offend anybody. We are not here to hurt anybody’s feelings. The statue was donated to us, and we are happy to have the statue for our namesake.”
Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer commissioned by Spain, never set foot on what is now the U.S. mainland during his four voyages. Instead, he landed in several Caribbean countries, as well as South and Central America.
While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, several states have replaced or eliminated the observance. The debate over Columbus’s legacy continues to evoke strong opinions.
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