Columbus Day is this week.

There was a parade in Denver held up by some American Indians and other protesters, reported as front page news by cnn.com. In recent years it has occurred to me, as a result of a more educated mind and greater time in books, that Columbus, and the image of Columbia, are critical symbols in our national fabric. Unfortunately, these have been discarded as the outmoded images of Manifest Destiny and non-politically correct western-centered pride.

There were definite, truly evil things that happened as a result of Columbus' discovery. He did things that he ought never have done in America. But equally true is that we still owe him our recognition. Sure, the Indians were in North America before anyone else, and the vikings were the first Europeans over here. But the reason that we owe Columbus recognition is not the novelty of his find, but the heritage of his discovery. The Native Americans and vikings' discovery did not lead to our country's existence. Our country's existence stemmed from the Rennaissance wanderings of one Christopher Columbus. And to not recognize that would be unfair and proud. And the recognition of Columbus' gifts in different modes, including a single day can be positively seen as a little repayment of a vast debt.

So, remember Columbus Day! Be proud of being an American, and be thankful that Columbus made that possible!