Although people have celebrated Columbus' voyage since the colonial period, Columbus Day first became a federal holiday in 1934. Throughout the years, teachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of Patriotism which were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress.
Observed the second Monday in October, Columbus Day also gives federal and state employees yet another paid holiday. Although more than three months have passed since the July 1 deadline and Governor Rendell and the Legislature still cannot come to terms on a budget, I wouldn't be surprised to see a bill being passed that declares Talk like a Pirate Day as a paid holiday for employees of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the words of the wise Otto von Bismarck, "Laws are like sausages — it is best not to see them being made.
While not all historians can agree where Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World, there is irrefutable documented evidence that Klaus von Newbert and his first mate Herr Roger were blown off course en route to Brushtown, PA and landed in Frederick, MD during their first expedition.
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