A group of Long Islanders are defending Christopher Columbus ahead of Monday's holiday.

The LI Sons and Daughters of Italy gathered in Huntington Sunday and laid a wreath at the statue of Columbus on Main Street to commemorate the weekend.

Members say that there is an attempt to take the statue down but they won't let that happen.

They say that the day is about honoring their heritage.

Calls for statues of Columbus to be removed can be heard from around the country.

Some believe that the explorer is known for his acts of violence against indigenous people.

Others will be observing Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday.