The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-13
Columbus Day
 in Hartford
Italians Participate in An= nual Event-MayOr
 Pays Tribute

Hartford had a fitting observ- ance of Columbus day yesterday. The Hartford Times gives an &C., count of the events as follows:
 Three small ships landed in San Salvador, one of the West Indies, 439 years ago to-day, thus discov- ering America, an event which s still considerde sufficiently impor- tant to warranr a holiday to-day for many people and a celebration in Hartford, participated in by rep resentatives of all the Italian socie- ties of the city.
 Christopher Columbus, Genoese adventurer, was the man who com manded the small flotilla, and. de- spite the fact that he was later de- ported from the new world, it is Tn his honor that to-day's holiday is observed. The insurance com panies, the banks, state and muni- cipal offices and some private of- Rces are closed, but most manu- featuring establishments and stores are open for business as usual in these times. Special observances were held in the public schools.
 Wreath Laid at Statue.
 At 9:30 this morning approxi- mately fifty representatives of Ital- ian societies gathered at Lafayette square to take part in laying a wreath on the statue of Columbus. Letters from Congressman Angus tine Lonergan, Mayor Patterson and Frank Urfcchio, prominent Italian citizen, were read. Speakers included the Rev Piero Chiminelli, Luigi DiBattista, Anthony Ciarle- glio and Anthony LeRoy.
 Flowers were furnished by An thony Zito and 7-year-old Filomena Carnarella unveiled the wreath. MT. Ciarleglio, chairman of the committee in charge of the celebra- tion, outlined the career of Colum- bus, saying that in the near future he expects October F will be ob- served as a thanksgiving day in tribute to the memory of the great discoverer.
 MT. Lonergan wrote, in part:
 What Columbus found has meant more to the human family thoughout the world than any other place. It is well that we erect memorials in his honor and sing his praises. The world is proud of him and it is but natural that the men and women of the Italian race are proud of him. To our shores have come large number from Italy and they and their children occupy an important place in our national life. They are known for their pa triotism, industry and wholesome family life.
 With Columbus they recall many Italians: Dante. Celleni, Ca- Boccaccio, Marconi, who is the inventor of wireless teleg- raphy; Gabrielle D'Annunzia, pa triot statesman and author; pr. F. Verdi of New Haven, one of the most eminent surgeons In American to-day; Fiorello H member of congress from New York: the late Enrico | Caruso, one of the most eminent | Lenors on the operatic stage, and | Rose Ponsella of Meriden, now one | of the Metropolitan opera stars, and Francis A. Pallotti, former | secretary of the state of Connecti- | cut. one of Hartford's most emil nent citizens of Italian parentage."
 Tribute From Mayor.
 Mayor Batterson's letter read in part:
 No people can and no people sLould contribute more to our future than the people of the race ,f Columbus. Coming to the | American shores. confronted with ! new language and new condi- ions of life. you, like Columbus, nave made an exceptional record ,f achievement.
 May your sons and daughters appreciate the solid virtues which | you are contributing to. a better md greater America, and preserve he best that is in their Italian leritag, for amalgamation in the America of the future, and may his anniversary serve again to re- mind us of our responsibilities for 'erving the uses of good govern nent.
 MT Uricchio pointed out that Columbus stands as a lighthouse o shine on, coming generations with an ever increasing glory. The anne of this great man is a bea- 'on. he declared, leading the way Or Italian citizens to make them elves more and more worthy of heir great heritage in the land discovered by the hero. His letter vas read in Italian.