Columbus Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Washington, DC honors and celebrates the achievements of Christopher Columbus with a national wreath laying ceremony on Columbus Day, on October 12, 2009 at 11 a.m. Embassies of Italy and Spain and the general public will lay wreaths at the base of the Columbus Memorial Statue located at Union Station at Massachusetts Ave. & 1st St. The memorial is a large fountain with carvings of a native American, an elderly European, the figure of “Discovery” on the prow of a ship, and a globe.
Columbus Day is celebrated the 2nd Monday in October. Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) is credited with “discovering” America in 1492. To mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage, in 1892, President Benjamin Harrison declared the first official Columbus Day holiday. 

The monumental statue was dedicated June 8, 1912; and has been the focal point for yearly celebrations since that time to honor the great navigator and discoverer. The front shaft of the statue, which is crowned with a globe supported by eagles, is a prow of a ship with winged figurehead symbolizing Discovery. Columbus Day was declared a national holiday in 1971. The annual ceremony is open and free to the public. The ceremony will feature representatives from the Diplomatic Corps of Italy, Spain, The Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the Organization of American States. Ceremonial music provided by the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own” under the direction of Lt Col Michael J. Colburn and Capt Jason K. Fettig, conducting. On June 8 1912, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band participated in the unveiling of the Columbus Memorial Fountain, providing ceremonial music during the official ceremony. Like the monuments the Marine Band has helped dedicate, its continued presence in American life stands as a symbol of the traditions and ideals on which our country was founded.

Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC
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Monday, October 12th, 2009
11:00pm