On Monday, October 14 th , the country celebrates Columbus Day, a Federal and New York
State recognized public holiday. Many businesses in town, including the United States Post
Office, have posted notices that they will be closed on Columbus Day. However, the Port
Washington Public Library, taxpayer funded and serving all Port Washington residents, posted on
their website, front door, and throughout the library, that the library will be open for limited
hours on “The Holiday.” “The Holiday” is Columbus Day and is celebrated by thousands of
Italian-Americans who live and work in the community. Muting the celebration of a man who is
credited with discovering the Americas is an insult to the generations of Italian Americans who
have lived and live in Port Washington and who were instrumental in the development of our
wonderful community. I wonder if George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther
King will receive the same silent treatment.
Mario Salvio
Port Washington
