Columbus died broke and Poor. He thought he was India not a whole new continent. It changed History for sure weather he "discovered the new world" or not. The important thing was after him many more ships started coming.
I have no idea why it is a Holiday. In the states on Government workers get the day off. Like the picture above I am surprised all the ultra liberals don't protest it as racist or something like that.
Happy Columbus Day 
enjoy the long weekend if applicable 
