While New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani — and others of his radical left ilk — opposes Christopher Columbus monuments by advocating for their removal, viewing the statues in general and Columbus in particular as symbols of colonization and systemic harm, we contend that the courageous explorer and his amazing accomplishments should continue to be celebrated in America via monuments and on Columbus Day (as occurred on Oct. 12).

Specifically, we join Columbus’ supporters and the few remaining independent-minded commentators in arguing that Columbus Day should be celebrated to honor Western exploration, preserve national tradition, and recognize Italian-American heritage.

Key arguments in support of Columbus are the following:

• Celebration of exploration and human ingenuity: Proponents view Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage as a symbol of human curiosity, courage, and the drive to explore the unknown. From this perspective, the journey marks a pivotal moment that reshaped global history and expanded human knowledge.

• Preservation of American tradition: Columbus Day is a long-standing federal holiday — officially designated since 1937 — and argue that eliminating or replacing it erodes foundational cultural traditions and historical continuity.

• Recognition of Italian-American heritage: The holiday holds deep significance for Italian-Americans, who historically campaigned for the day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to overcome widespread prejudice, anti-immigrant discrimination, and violence (such as the 1891 lynchings of Italians in New Orleans). Supporters argue the holiday remains a vital symbol of pride and integration for the Italian-American community.

• Rejection of “revisionist history:” Judging 15th-century historical figures strictly by modern moral standards is unfair. Efforts to dismantle the holiday are part of a broader cultural critique that unfairly diminishes Western achievements and the positive aspects of American foundation.

We agree with political figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who have framed the defense of the holiday as a stand against political correctness, issuing proclamations to reaffirm Columbus Day as a traditional federal observance.