German-American Day
Researched and compiled by Margaret Odrowaz Sypniewska
When Was German-American Day Instituted?:
The first German-American Day was instituted on October 6, 1983. This date marked the tricentennial (300) year of German migration to America. At this time, thirteen (13) families, from the Rhine Valley, came to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the Schooner "Concord." The Concord is considered the "Mayflower" of German immigration.
Throught the lobbying efforts of Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and Congressman Lee Hamilton first introduced Public Law 100-104 designating October 6, 1987, as "German-American Day." A proclamation was issued by President Ronald Reagan on October 2, 1987 and it was signed in a Rose Garden ceremony with quite a few IGHS members present. Proclamations have been issued every since by the President.
In 1997, President Bill Clinton wrote: "All Americans have benefitted greatly from the labor, leadership, talents, and vision of German and German-Americans, and it is fitting that we set aside this special day to acknowledge their contributions to our liberty, culture, and democracy."
German-American Day is celebrated evry other year, and was last celebrated October 6, 2002. The German American Joint Action Committee (GAJAC) was founded in 1990 to coordinate celebrations for this day. JAJAC was founded by the following groups:
MORE GERMAN LINKS:
A German-American Chronology
Germand and German American Customs
Famous Austrians, Germans, and Swiss
First Germans in Jamestown Finally Recognized
German Achievements in America
The Steuben Parades
