Americans hold varied opinions about celebrating Columbus Day. The Washington Post reports that Columbus Day was created to combat anti-Italian sentiments around the early 20th Century, but some modern groups view the recognition of the holiday as celebration of a historical figure whose exploits caused the loss of land and life.
However, the Apollo 11 mission that put men on the moon for the first time in history was an accomplishment in American technological advancement and exploration that every American, regardless of race or ethnicity, can celebrate. A holiday recognizing this spirit of innovation and accomplishment will not only remind Americans of how far we've come in such a short time since the moon landing in 1969, but will inspire our youth to achieve the impossible.