Why were many government offices and schools closed Monday?
Third generation Italian-American and prominent Springfield resident Tony Leone says he is afraid the Columbus Day holiday is just another reason to enjoy a three day weekend but, he says the contributions of immigrants of all countries should be reason to mark the day with gratitude.
“Italian immigrants came over here, adopted this country and now are loyal supporters,” says Leone. “The whole concept is that I can’t think of someone better than Christopher Columbus who came to this country from somewhere else. We should celebrate that.”
Leone says many immigrants from Italy chose central Illinois because of their work ethic, knowing area coal mines needed the labor. County, state and, federal offices closed in observance of the holiday but the City of Springfield remained open for business.