German-American Day 2023: Every year, October 6 is celebrated as German-American Day. The day celebrates the 13 German Mennonite families from Krefeld who founded Pennysylvania (now Philadelphia). It also recognizes and celebrates the contributions of German culture to the spread and advancement of American culture. The celebration was first celebrated as “German Day” in Philadelphia in 1883 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of German settlements.
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German-American Day 2023: History
The holiday honors German history and commemorates the day in 1683 when thirteen German families from Krefeld near the Rhine arrived in Philadelphia. These families founded “Germantown” in Pennsylvania. It was the first German settlement among the original thirteen colonies in the United States. German-Americans have always lived in America.
Several Germans were among the immigrants from Jamestown in 1608. German immigrants arrived in greatest numbers between 1820 and World War I. After the German revolutions of 1848, many people in America demanded freedom of religion or politics, which earned them the nickname “The Forty-Eighters.”
The day was first celebrated in the nineteenth century. President Ronald Reagan established October 6 as German-American Day in 1983 to honor and commemorate the 300th anniversary of German immigration and culture to the United States.
On August 6, 1987, Congress approved SJ Resolution 108, declaring October 6 of that year German-American Day. It was ratified on August 18 by President Reagan, making it public law 100-104. In a formal ceremony held in the Rose Garden of the White House on October 2, 1987, President Reagan made the proclamation and invited Americans to observe the Day with ceremonies and other events.
National American-German Day 2023: Significance
The day celebrates the merging of the heritage of the two countries. It has historical significance because it marks the arrival of the first German immigrants to the United States in 1683. Over the centuries, Germans have enriched American culture, industry, and academia, exerting significant influence in areas such as music, science, and technology. The observance of this day emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and the role that immigrants play in shaping the nation’s identity. It serves as a reminder of the enduring heritage of German-American peoples, fostering unity and respect for the nation’s multicultural heritage.
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German-American Day 2023: the facts
- The largest wave of German immigration occurred in the 19th century, when millions of Germans came to America to escape economic hardship and political instability in Europe.
- German Americans introduced traditions such as Christmas trees, Christmas cookie decorations and Santa Claus to American culture. Also, sausages and pretzels from German food culture have become an important part of American cuisine.
- German-language schools and newspapers in the United States played an important role in the education and communication of German-American communities.
- The great German-American scientists Albert Einstein and Wernher von Braun have made significant contributions to physics and research.
In conclusion, German-American Day was officially established on October 6, 1987 by a joint resolution of Congress. This day recognizes and celebrates the cultural, historical and economic contributions of German Americans to the United States.
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Source: HIS Education