"The Oct. 12 letter of the day referred to the discoveries of Columbus and his cronies as delivering "tragic consequences for its many nations and millions of people."

We just returned from a trip to Boston and Plymouth Rock. As we looked eastward toward the vast and seemingly endless ocean before us, my husband and I were moved to deep appreciation for those men who braved an ocean of incomparable -- and incomprehensible -- breadth, depth and viciousness, risking their own lives simply for the sake of satisfying man's passion for discovery.

There was no intent of bringing harm to indigenous tribes whose existence was unknown; they knew virtually nothing of bacteria or virus or the spread of either. Nor could they discern where or when their journey would conclude. "

Get the Story:
Letter of the day from Vicki Roberts: We owe explorer Christopher Columbus gratitude, not scorn (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 10/13)

Earlier Letter:
Mike Klein: Celebrate a more appropriate holiday: Indigenous Day (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 10/12)

Also Today:
Columbus Day based on lies, local group says (The Lincoln Journal Star 10/13)