Politically Correct Columbus Day

Two emails were sent out by someone from Peace Corps Human Resources on successive days. The first one read:

Monday October 14, Columbus Day, is a Federal Holiday. That means we have that day off to celebrate our nation's discoverer, by Christopher Columbus!

If you plan to be off on Friday October 11 and/or Tuesday October 15, these are regular work days, please advise your Supervisor as soon as possible.

Have a great time, and remember why we have the day off.

And the second email read: I would like to apologize for my first E-mail that inadvertently suggested that Christopher Columbus was the one person that "discovered" or established the first civilization in America. My apology goes primarily to all Native Americans and others that may have taken offense to the statement. Our current history has shown us that he was not the first person here from another country nor was he the first one to establish a civilization. All of us are very well aware of the fact that Native Americans, Russians and many other cultures were here long before Christopher arrived. I apologize for any misunderstanding or discomfort I may have caused anyone.