1. Columbus Day is observed by Americans on the ______________________________. 2. Columbus Day commemorated

1. Columbus Day is observed by Americans on the second Monday in October. This date was officially designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 as a national holiday to honor the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas.

2. Columbus Day commemorated the "discovery of America" by Columbus. It is based on the historical narrative that Columbus led the first European expedition to the Americas in 1492, which opened up the Age of Exploration and connected Europe with the Western Hemisphere.

3. Initially, the holiday was known as "Discovery Day" or "Columbus"s Day." It was first celebrated in the United States in the late 18th century and was primarily observed by Italian-Americans to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Over time, it gained broader recognition and was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1937.

4. Some Americans have reservations about celebrating Columbus Day due to the controversial aspects of Columbus"s landing in the Americas. It is important to note that Columbus"s arrival also led to the colonization, exploitation, and displacement of indigenous peoples, as well as the beginning of a painful history of European colonialism in the Americas. As a result, there has been ongoing debate and criticism about whether Columbus should be celebrated as a hero or if the holiday should be reevaluated and refocused to acknowledge the perspectives and experiences of Native Americans and other marginalized groups. Some states and cities in the United States have even replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples" Day to recognize and honor the original inhabitants of the Americas.