German-American Day is a meaningful holiday that recognizes the rich and diverse legacy of German-Americans in the United States. It is a day to appreciate their achievements and celebrate their heritage.

German-American Day celebrates the German-American heritage and commemorates the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of Philadelphia) in 1683.

Date

German-American Day is observed annually on October 6 in the United States.

History

German-American Day celebrates the German-American heritage and commemorates the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of Philadelphia) in 1683.
The first German settlers arrived in America on October 6, 1683, on the ship Concord. They were thirteen families from Krefeld, Germany, who founded the first German town in America.
The town was named Germantown by the English colonists, who later took over the area. The town was also the site of the first petition to abolish slavery in America in 1688.
German-American Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia in 1883, on the 200th anniversary of the founding of Germantown. Similar celebrations developed later in other parts of the country.
The holiday died out during World War I due to anti-German sentiment, but was revived in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, who proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day to mark the 300th anniversary of German immigration and culture in America.
In 1987, Congress approved a resolution to designate October 6, 1987, as German-American Day, and President Reagan issued a proclamation to that effect. Since then, presidents have continued to make proclamations to observe German-American Day.

Significance

German-American Day is a day to honor and celebrate the contributions of German immigrants and their descendants to American society and culture.
German-Americans are the largest ancestry group in America, with more than 44 million people claiming German heritage as of 2016.
German-Americans have influenced various aspects of American life, such as politics, science, arts, music, literature, religion, cuisine, sports, and entertainment.
Some notable German-Americans include Albert Einstein, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, Babe Ruth, Walt Disney, Elvis Presley, Sandra Bullock, and Barack Obama.

Celebrations

German-American Day is celebrated by various organizations and communities across the country with events such as parades, festivals, concerts, lectures, exhibits, and ceremonies.
Some examples of celebrations are:
- The German-American Heritage Museum in Washington DC hosts an annual gala and awards ceremony to honor individuals and groups who have advanced the German-American heritage.
- The German Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia organizes a commemoration at the Germantown Historical Society and a luncheon at its headquarters to celebrate the founding of Germantown.
- The Steuben Parade in New York City is a major event that showcases German culture and traditions with floats, bands, dancers, and costumes. It is held on the third Saturday of September every year and is followed by an Oktoberfest celebration in Central Park.