We, the people of East Hanover, recognize the Columbus monument as a symbol of atonement for the brutal mistreatment of Italian Americans since their arrival as immigrants in our country. They have a fundamental right to celebrate their culture and heritage without undue interference from government officials or acts of aggression from private citizens.

The Columbus monument is also a proud immigrant symbol which represents their monumental undertaking when immigrants from around the world left their home country to begin a new life in America. East Hanover deserves to keep this symbol to honor those that came before and help build this great city of ours.