PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia parade celebrating Columbus Day ended at Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia on Oct. 10. Marconi Plaza’s iconic Christopher Columbus statue was still covered by a wooden box and could not be displayed during the parade and celebration. In addition to the active participation of different Italian American organizations, marchers include Mummers String Bands, and high school and elementary school marching bands. Hundreds of people watched the parade on-site and celebrated the Italian American heritage together. “We’re honoring Christopher Columbus and the many contributions that Italian Americans have made to America in our history, and this is a great day,” Lou Barletta, a former congressman who is running for Pennsylvania governor, told The Epoch Times. This year, the official name of the parade has been changed to “Italian­ American Day Parade.” While in many people’s eyes, it’s still the Columbus Day Parade. Stephen D’Emilio, who grew up in South …