German-American Day 2021: The day is celebrated on October 6 in the United States. It celebrates German-American heritage and commemorates the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1683.
HISTORY
The founding of Germantown on October 6, 1683, was to provide the date for German-American Day, though “a number of” the first thirteen Quaker and Mennonite families in Germantown came from the Netherlands; until 1710, according to linguist Nicoline van der Sijs, “Germantown remained predominantly Dutch”. In 1688, the inhabitants organized the first petition in the English colonies to abolish slavery. Originally known under the rubric of “German Day”, the holiday was celebrated for the first time in Philadelphia in 1883, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the founding; and similar celebrations developed later in other parts of the country.
The day was celebrated in the nineteenth century. In 1983, to express appreciation and to honour the 300th anniversary of German-American immigration and culture into the United States, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day.
Congress approved S.J. Resolution 108 on August 6, 1987, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day. President Reagan signed it and became Public Law 100-104, on August 18. A proclamation to this effect was issued by President Reagan in a formal ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, and he called on Americans to observe the Day with ceremonies and activities, on October 2, 1987.
SIGNIFICANCE
The day celebrates the amalgamation of the heritage of the two countries. It also signifies the love for American traditions and the contributions of German-speaking Americans. It is also celebrated in the memory of the German families who established a colony on American soil.