(06/26) 06/01/26 Columbus Memorial Restored to Its Former Glory at Union Station

By Mark DeNunzioMonday, June 1, 2026

The restoration and rededication of the Christopher Columbus Memorial and Fountain at Union Station marked a proud moment for Italian Americans and all who value the preservation of our nation's history.

Attended by government leaders, international dignitaries, and representatives of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the ceremony celebrated both the return of a treasured landmark and the enduring legacy of Christopher Columbus. For Dr. Mark DeNunzio and his family, the event served as a powerful reminder that preserving our heritage is about honoring the past while inspiring future generations.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, I had the privilege of attending the rededication of the beautifully
restored Christopher Columbus Memorial and Fountain at Columbus Circle in front of
Washington's historic Union Station. It was a memorable occasion made even more special by
the presence of my family, including my brothers, Dr. Neil DeNunzio and Dr. Dale DeNunzio, my
sister Regina, and my son James.

The ceremony celebrated the completion of an extensive restoration project that returned the iconic Columbus Memorial to its original condition. Most impressive was the return of the magnificent fountain, which had remained dormant for nearly twenty years. Seeing the water once again flowing beneath the towering monument was both inspiring and symbolic, restoring one of the nation's most recognizable tributes to the great navigator and explorer.

The program featured remarks from several distinguished government officials, including National Park Service leadership, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Special Assistant to the President Andrew Giuliani. Also in attendance were His Excellency Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States, and Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the United States. Their presence
underscored the international significance of the occasion and the enduring historical ties among the United States, Italy, and Spain. Together, the speakers and dignitaries emphasized the importance of preserving America's historic monuments and public spaces while recognizing the enduring legacy of Christopher Columbus and the countless contributions of Italian Americans to our nation's history and development.

The event also served as a proud gathering of leaders from the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Among those in attendance were National President Thom Lupo, Executive Director Shayla Kaestle, National Immediate Past President Michael Polo, and National Vice Presidents Kevin Caira, Mark DeNunzio, Brian Andzik, and Robert Ferrito. Their presence reflected OSDIA's longstanding commitment to preserving Italian American heritage and honoring the historical figures and achievements that have shaped our community.

For those of us who have long advocated for the preservation of Italian American landmarks and traditions, the restoration of the Columbus Memorial represents far more than a construction project. It is a reaffirmation that our history matters, that our contributions are valued, and that future generations will continue to learn about the courage, determination, and spirit of exploration that Christopher Columbus symbolizes.

As the fountain sprang to life and the restored monument stood gleaming against the backdrop of Union Station, attendees witnessed not only the reopening of a historic landmark but also a renewed commitment to preserving our nation's cultural heritage. It was a proud day for Washington, a proud day for Italian Americans, and a proud day for the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

For my family, the occasion carried added significance. Standing alongside my brothers, sister, and son at such a historic event served as a reminder that preserving our heritage is not merely about honoring the past—it is about passing our traditions, values, and stories on to future generations. The restoration of this landmark ensures that the legacy it represents will continue to inspire Americans for years to come.

The rededication of the Christopher Columbus Memorial was more than the restoration of stone, bronze, and flowing water. It was a celebration of history, heritage, and the enduring contributions of generations of Italian Americans whose hard work, patriotism, and dedication have helped shape the fabric of our nation. The restored monument now stands once again as a symbol of discovery, perseverance, and pride for all who visit our nation's capital.

Do you want to learn Italian this summer?

By Gaia PrunottoThursday, May 7, 2026

This summer, take the first step into the beauty of the Italian language with a beginner-friendly course led by Pensacola State College Italian instructor Gaia Prunotto.

Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Italy, connecting with your heritage, or simply looking for a new cultural experience, this eight-week course is designed to build confidence through conversation and interactive learning.

With small-group instruction, flexible scheduling, and a passionate native-level language educator, this is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in la lingua italiana right here in our community.

Join my eight-week Italian language course for beginners!

The course is designed to give you the basis of the Italian language, so that you can amaze your travel partners next time you go to Italy, or even impress your relatives with your conversational skills!

The course is organized in 16 one hour long classes, meeting twice a week. All instructional materials will be provided. The teaching methodology is communicative: our final goal is for you to speak as much Italian as possible, and to become confident expressing yourself in another language.

About your instructor

My name is Gaia Prunotto, and I have been a language instructor for five years. I have taught French, Italian, Spanish and Russian both at the high school and college levels. I trained as a language instructor at West Virginia University and at the University of Pittsburgh, where I obtained my Masters in Linguistics and Italian respectively. I currently teach Italian at Pensacola State College.

Info and cost

When?

Meetings will be held twice a week in the evening. Possibly on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm, but time and days can change to accommodate participants’ schedules. The course starts the first week of June and ends the last week of July. Here’s a tentative schedule:

Week number	Potential class dates
Week 1	Monday, June 1 Wednesday, June 3
Week 2	Monday, June 8 Wednesday, June 10
Week 3*	Wednesday, June 17 I will be out of town on June 15/16
Week 4	Monday, June 22 Wednesday, June 24
Week 5	Monday, June 29 Wednesday, July 1
Week 6	Monday, July 6 Wednesday, July 8
Week 7	Monday, July 13 Wednesday, July 15
Week 8	Monday, July 20 Wednesday, July 22
Week 9*	Monday, July 27* make-up missed class in week 3.

Where? Location is to be defined according to the number of participants.
How much? The total cost of the course is $370, which brings the cost of a single class to $23 dollars an hour, hard to beat!

Contact information

Phone number: (681) 285-9976

Email: gaiaprun8@gmail.com

Please let me know if you are interested by May 15!

A presto,

Gaia

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

By Catherine CaseTuesday, May 5, 2026

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

The Buona Fortuna Sons & Daughters of Italy gathered at Blue Wahoos Stadium for a special evening celebrating Mamma during Mother’s Day Week with family and friends. From the moment our cheering squad filled Section 109, the stadium was alive with excitement, laughter, and Italian pride.

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