Columbus Day lands on Monday, and Congressman Andrew Garbarino is using the run-up to salute the Italian American families who helped shape Long Island.

Garbarino keeps a district office on Oak Street in Patchogue, so the message lands close to home for South Shore residents.

He also serves as Vice Chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation.

Raised in an Italian American family on Long Island, Garbarino says the holiday has always been a moment to celebrate heritage and honor the generations who came before.

In his telling, Italian Americans helped turn Long Island into the home residents are proud of today.

He points to small businesses, neighborhoods and community life as the clearest evidence of that influence.

Garbarino is also putting a spotlight on House Resolution 789, which he introduced in October 2025.

The measure expresses support for recognizing Christopher Columbus and his significance to the Italian American community.

It also recognizes the second Monday in October as Columbus Day.

The text frames the holiday as a longtime occasion to celebrate Italian American heritage.

It also credits Italian immigrants and their descendants for what they have contributed to the country.

Garbarino says he remains committed to making sure that history and those contributions keep getting recognized.

Not everyone marks the day the same way.

Some communities and institutions observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, or alongside it.

As a federal holiday, Columbus Day closes federal offices and post offices, though local school and business schedules vary.

Residents who need help with a federal agency can reach Garbarino's Patchogue office at 631-541-4225 once regular hours resume.

The day's meaning will keep drawing different views, but the resolution makes Garbarino's position clear.