Press Release Archives - #447-96 - German-American Friendship Week

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 18, 1996

Release #447-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

MAYOR GIULIANI CELEBRATES "GERMAN-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP WEEK"

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today proclaimed the week of September 13-22, 1996 "German-American Friendship Week" in celebration of the 39th anniversary of the Steuben Parade. The week honors German-Americans who have contributed to this country and in particular Baron Frederick Wilhem von Steuben who assisted General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The Mayor was joined at the Gracie Mansion reception by Department for the Aging Commissioner Herbert Stupp; Division for International Business and United Nations Commissioner Bruce Gelb; and Bill Hetzler, Chairman of the Steuben Parade Committee.

"The annual Steuben Day Parade is one of the great events of the year in New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "This colorful celebration reminds us that all New Yorkers share a proud heritage with our German-American community, a heritage that goes back to the earliest days of our country. During the American Revolution, at the darkest hour of our struggle for freedom, General Von Steuben came from Germany to help lead our fight for liberty and independence. 'German-American Friendship Week' gives us an opportunity to honor and salute German-Americans, and to say 'thank you' for helping to make our city the greatest in the world."

This year marks the 39th Anniversary of the German-American Steuben Parade, an annual parade which celebrates the German culture and German-Americans' contributions to America. German-Americans have a rich and unique history in this country dating back to the Revolutionary War. General Frederick Von Steuben was instrumental in drilling troops and instilling in them the confidence and competence so crucial to victory.

On Friday, German-Americans from throughout New York will gather at the Steps of City Hall to celebrate and receive the Mayor's proclamation honoring the Steuben Day Parade. Saturday's parade is scheduled to start at 11:30am at the corner of 5th Avenue and 64th St.