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NEW YORK (AP) New York City's Columbus Day Parade featured a modern-day explorer.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was among the participants in the parade, which stepped off at midday in Manhattan.

The 65th annual parade turned Fifth Avenue into a sea of red, white and green as thousands of Italian Americans celebrated their heritage. A Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral preceded the parade.

In addition to the marchers, floats and politicians, the festivities included folk Dancers, musicians and Maserati cars from the 1920s.

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