Columbus Circle Annual Wreath Laying

Even before the Columbus Day Parade became a New York City institution in 1929, Columbus Circle was the site of an annual wreath laying that commemorated Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage and the immigrants who followed his path over the centuries.  Members of the Italian Benevolent Society and the Knights of Columbus marched to the monument in a brief pilgrimage that recalled the event that changed the course of world history.

Today, the wreath laying is held under the auspices of the National Council of Columbian Associations in Civil Service in conjunction with the Columbus Citizens Foundation. The wreath laying features brief remarks by representatives of the Italian and Italian-American communities of New York and a short band performance.

In 1991, the Foundation raised $400,000 for the restoration and maintenance of the Columbus Monument, located at Columbus Circle in New York City.  Designed by Gaetano Russo in 1892 and unveiled on the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage, the 13-foot tall marble statue of the navigator and the 26-foot tall granite column on which it stands had suffered nearly a century of neglect and the effects of pollution.  The conserved monument was unveiled in 1992 during the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s exploration.  The restoration was carried out by New York City’s Adopt-A-Monument Program.

Images from Past Wreath Laying Events

Click on a thumbnail below to view the gallery.

 

2017 Next	2016 Next	2015 Next
2014 Next	2013 Next	2012 Next
2011 Next	2010 Next	2009 Next
2008 Next	2007 Next	2006 Next

More About Columbus Day Weekend

• Columbus Day Celebration Overview
• Columbus Day Parade
• Gala Dinner
• Columbus Day Mass
• Columbus Circle Wreath Laying
• Celebration Car Raffle
• Our Sponsors

Applications for the 2020 Parade are now open! For questions about application, please contact Jefferson Wilson at jwilson@columbuscitizens.org or call (212) 249-9923 x242. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, click here! For more information about the Mission of our Foundation and our philanthropic endeavors, contact our Executive Director, Lisa Ackerman, at lackerman@columbuscitizens.org.

Mission Statement
Recognizing the incredible impact that our Italian heritage has had on our lives and its contribution to our individual successes, we the members of the Columbus Citizens Foundation dedicate ourselves to preserving and enhancing the culture, traditions and values we were so blessed to receive. Furthermore, we will commit to honor those that came before us by ensuring that their love of country, family and tireless work ethic are passed to our children and all future generations. We firmly commit to raise and distribute financial aid to educate children in need and pledge to extend ourselves in perpetuating the philanthropic work that has been synonymous with our Foundation.

Follow Columbus Citizens Foundation