"As I envision it, Columbus Day would be a multipurpose national holiday. It would, of course , recognize Christopher Columbus , the undaunted admiral who heroically braved the myth and mysteries of the terrifying , uncharted Atlantic to discover America. That bold and daring venture, a major milestone in the history of mankind, deserves to be remembered anew each year.

In and of itself, it is sufficient reason to justify a national celebration in a country that owes its existence to that magical moment of discovery. Whether Columbus was actually the first or second, or even the third, voyager to reach these shores is purely academic and totally irrelevant . It detracts nothing from the intrepid admiral’s daring and determination. It subtracts nothing from the everlasting significance of his unique and monumental achievement."