Ronald Reagan actually said...

"Today, if it were not for a rightful pride of heritage, there would be no reason to identify Italian Americans as any kind of separate ethnic group."

"Christopher Columbus, whose life and exploits we commemorate each October, is one of the true heroes of our Nation's history."

"I remain concerned that our important Federal regulatory review processes not be overlooked in this instance."

"Columbus is symbolic of the millions of Italians who have come to the New World since its discovery."