Thousands of people lined the Fifth Avenue to watch the 62nd annual Columbus Day parade Monday under a bright, clear sky and unseasonably warm temperatures.

Spectators waved Italian flags and some wearing Italian soccer jerseys. Many politicians joined the parade, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer.

In his opening remarks, Bloomberg said "The diversity of this city is our great strength and today you will see another part of it on display."

According to organizers of the parade, the Manhattan parade celebrates the spirit of exploration, the triumphs of immigrants and the historical and cultural wealth of Italy. They said it is a day to honor Italian heritage around the world, while parade-goers say it is a fun event for the whole family.

Brooklyn native and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace led the festivities this year.

Meanwhile, hundreds of faithful gathered in Saint Patrick's Cathedral Monday for the annual Columbus Day mass, which as usual, was conducted in both English and Italian.

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Christopher Columbus, which the Knights of Columbus marked with a Color Guard Procession.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2006)