For years the North End and
East Boston have
celebrated the historic 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus. This
Sunday, October 9th will be a different day than before as
beginning at 10:00AM the City of Boston will gather at Christopher
Columbus Waterfront Park as opposed to prior years when this day
began at City Hall Plaza, a public space in Bostons Government
Center.
Locals and visitors alike from all over the world will come
together for what is sure to be a memorable occasion. Hosted by the
Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, the annual festivities begin
with fun games and entertainment for all ages and will take place
on the parks lawn for a true family-friendly experience. Shortly
after at 10:45AM, a marionette show, magicians act and City Stage
actors will entice the crowd and build up the excitement for the
forthcoming events that will soon follow.
The grand parade will commence at 1:00PM at the Christopher
Columbus Statue, where Mayor Thomas Menino and other high ranking
individuals will kick off the afternoon by laying a wreath at the
statues base. From here the parade marches on until it reaches
Endicott Street where it will end.
Organized by the Columbus Day Committee, this years parade is
ever so important. Moreover, this is because it will be held in
honor of another influential man who passed in March of this year,
Mr. Michael A. Nazzaro Jr. This man, who served in World War II and
was an honorary Sergent Major was a prominent and well known figure
in Bostons North End and
his legacy is what this day is all about. The parades goals are for
honoring our veterans, those currently serving in our military and
those who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our
freedom as Americans. This, coupled with the cultural pride that
the Boston Waterfront and North End residents
want to share with everyone sets up this Sunday as one to remember
our past, and one to celebrate our future as Bostonians, Americans,
and greater Global citizens.