Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
October 4, 2000
Columbus Day Parade returns to Denver
By Peter Droege
Speaking out for justice is not the best way to win a popularity contest.
Just ask Carlo "C.M." Margiaracina and George Vendegnia who are the primary organizers of the Italian American Columbus Day Parade, Oct. 7 in Denver. Everyone is invited to view the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at 13th and Welton, and continues down 14th to Civic Center Park.
City officials have pledged that the disruptions and threats that caused the parade to be cancelled in 1992 will not be allowed this year.
"This parade is not about creating divisions, it is about celebrating Italian American culture, which includes Christopher Columbus, a navigator who brought the Light of Christ to America," explained Margiaracina.
Margiaracina and Vendegnia had to endure criticism from activist groups when they announced plans for the parade in August. In order to endure the safety of participants, they signed an agreement that would allow them to hold the parade, as long as the name of Christopher Columbus would not be associated with the event in any way.
Members of the Italian American community took issue with the agreement, saying that it violated their First Amendment rights. It was announced Sept. 29 that the Italian American community would not abide by the agreement, and that the name of Columbus would be restored to the parade.
Much of the criticism that the two have had to endure is from those who are criticizing not only Columbus, but the Catholic faith, according to Vendegnia.
"If we are willing to accept being silenced about Columbus, then we, as Catholics, are willing to be bullied into silence about our faith," he continued. "We have families and, like everyone else, do not like the idea of exposing ourselves to threats, but this is an important issue not only for Italian Americans, but for all people of good will in our country."
Mar Muñoz Visoso, director of the Office for Hispanic Ministry, agrees.
"One of the greatest things about being an American is the opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that are found here," she explained. "No group should be allowed to force another group not to celebrate their culture — it is simply wrong."
The day of the parade will begin with a 7:30 a.m. Mass at Mt. Carmel Church in north Denver. All are invited. Mother Ignatius Miceli, a Missionary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the order founded by St. Frances Cabrini, is the honorary grand marshal of the parade.
Jerry O'Connor, state deputy of the Knights of Columbus, has cancelled other plans to take part in the parade.
"When an injustice has been done, and we do nothing, we are participating in that injustice," he told the Register.
Carlo Amato of Amato's Statuary in north Denver, is one of the community leaders helping organize participation in the parade.
"People of all cultures are welcome to participate in the parade," Amato said. "This is not only an occasion to celebrate Italian American culture, but the First Amendment rights we enjoy as citizens of this great nation," he added.
Amato says that all people need to recognize that, if one group is denied its rights, everyone loses.
"It would be wrong to judge events in the 15th century based upon today's standards," he continued. "As Amer-icans, we cannot speak out about civil rights, while at the same time trying to deny others their rights," he continued.
"If a group were to plan a celebration expressing views that I disagreed with, I would still defend their rights to gather and speak out," he added.
Other leaders invol-ved in encouraging participation include Larry Dardano, Mike, Dave and Vince Falbo, Jerry Spinelli, Tony DiCamillis and others.
Groups interested in marching in the parade may contact C.M. Margiaracina at 303-934-2102.
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