GERMAN AMERICAN DAY SUGGESTED PRESS RELEASE
OCTOBER 6 IS ALWAYS GERMAN AMERICAN DAY!
A JOINT U.S. Congressional Resolution and President Reagan's official
proclamation in 1987 made it a reality. German Americans remember annually the
1683 arrival of the first thirteen German immigrant families who founded
Germantown in Pennsylvania. We pay tribute to the more than 58 million Americans
of German descent, the impressive progeny of these original thirteen families.
Their loyalty to their new homeland began more than 300 years ago. They were
from the very beginning staunch supporters of American democratic values and
principles, and loyal citizens. And they still are! American history, it's fight
for independence, the wars it fought worldwide, it's civic and commercial
history bear testimony to their deeds and glitter with German-American names.
It was General von Steuben who made American independence possible. History
also discloses that legions of German-Americans have served with distinction
everywhere, making the USA a unique world nation.
Another outstanding fact about German immigrants: They abhorred slavery,
which they had learned the hard way. They appreciated their new freedom. No
longer slaves now, they were the first American ethnic group to oppose slavery.
It is a historic fact that they actually helped to arrange safe passage, housing
and comfort for many escaping Southern slaves.
GERMAN AMERICAN DAY October 6, and the "German month", of October pay tribute
to their achievements. It is also a time to reflect on the long-standing
friendship between Germany and the USA, and a time for pure fun and
celebrations. German-Americans enjoy life and like to celebrate. German folklore
festivals, Oktoberfests and "oompappa-music" are everywhere - and the beer and
bratwurst always taste especially good in those first cooler days of autumn. And
not just German-Americans love these autumn festivities Americans do too! – all
Americans do too!
On October 3rd, Germany and the USA celebrate the "Day of German
Unity", and German-American friendship. The USA's help and friendship after WWII
made the rebuilding of the Western part of Germany possible. The USA also
guaranteed Germany's security during the Cold War and supported the unification
of the two Germanys, which became a reality on October 3, 1990, two years after
US President Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate, and said to Russian President
Gorbachev "tear down that infamous wall..." The "Liberty Bell", a gift of the
American people, signaled the beginning of a new era, and tolled freedom's
message through Germany and the world.
German-Americans have been and are an important factor in American life, and
in our city .........
(Insert histories and contributions of
German-Americans to your city and area. Maybe there is a modern day very special
German-American who deserves to be noted.)
GERMAN AMERICAN DAY, October 6th, honors a democratic way of life - the
American way of life. German-American Day is for ALL Americans.
