German-American Day

German-American Day

October 6

Descendants of the earliest German settlers have observed October 6 as German Pioneer Day or German Settlement Day since 1908, commemorating the day on which the first permanent German settlement in America was established at Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1683. But it wasn't until 1987 that October 6 was formally designated German-American Day by President Ronald Reagan.
According to the 2000 census, German Americans are the largest ancestry group in the United States—almost 43 million people reported they were of German ancestry—and their traditions and institutions have had a wide-ranging impact on the American way of life.
This day is often observed by attending programs and events that promote an understanding of the contributions of German immigrants—for example, lectures on German history, art, music, and literature; exhibits featuring German artifacts; performances of German music and hymns; and church services that acknowledge German-American members of the congregation. Ohio observes German-American Heritage Month throughout October, and smaller celebrations are held in more than 2,000 communities across the country. In recent years, October 6 has also become a time to celebrate German Unification Day (October 3).

CONTACTS:
German American National Congress
4740 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
773-275-1100; fax: 773-275-4010
www.dank.org
United German-American Societies of Greater Chicago
6540 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
630-653-3018; fax: 630-668-5243
www.germanday.com

SOURCES:
DictDays-1988, p. 47

Celebration day: Oct 6