[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY IS OCTOBER 6, 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL PATRICK FLANAGAN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. FLANAGAN. Mr. Speaker, the annual anniversary of German-American 
Day is on October 6, 1996. Due to the fact that this date falls on a 
Sunday this year, Chicago's National German-American Day will be 
celebrated on Friday, October 4, 1996, under the auspices of the 
Steuben Society of America, Chicago unit. This annual ceremony is held 
so that all German-Americans of the Chicago area can honor not only the 
illustrious General Von Steuben, but all German-Americans who have 
fought, served, and worked to make the United States the greatest 
country in the world. Today, more than 57 million Americans trace at 
least part of their ancestry to Germany and many of those are residents 
of the great city of Chicago, which has long had a most active and 
vibrant German-American community.
  Since the arrival of the first German immigrants in Philadelphia, PA, 
on October 6, 1683, German-Americans have much distinguished themselves 
by their loyalty to their new homeland and their contributions to the 
cultural and economic life of the United States of America. German-
Americans have faithfully supported and bolstered America's democratic 
principles. They have staunchly and steadfastly committed themselves to 
the advocacy of freedom for all people throughout the globe.
  German-Americans have long been active participants in our society. 
They are part of the very foundation that has made the United States of 
America what it is today. Their example makes them most deserving of an 
annual German-American Day.
  We in Congress honor and acknowledge all German-Americans and what 
they have done for our country and for the world. We in Congress call 
upon all citizens of the United States of America to acknowledge the 
exemplary services and contributions of our German-American citizens 
and to celebrate German-American Day on October 6.

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