German-American Day

German-American Day (Deutsch-Amerikanischer Tag) is a holiday in the United States, observed annually on October 6 under. It celebrates German-American heritage and commemorates the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of Philadelphia), in 1683.

History
Germantown was inhabited by 54 German families who had accompanied Johan Printz to the Swedish settlement on the Delaware several years earlier and had resettled themselves. In 1688, the inhabitants organized the first petition in the English colonies to abolish slavery. Originally known as "German Day", the holiday was celebrated for the first time in Philadelphia in 1883, on the 200th anniversary of the founding; similar celebrations developed later in other parts of the country. The custom died out during World War I as a result of the war, but the holiday was revived in 1983 in joint resolution 108. Senator Richard G. Lugar introduced the bill on April 8, 1987.

Observances
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day to celebrate and the 300th anniversary of German immigration to and culture in the United States. On August 6, 1987, Congress approved S.J. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day. It became when President Reagan signed it on August 18. A proclamation (#5719) to this effect was issued on October 2, 1987, by President Reagan in a formal ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, at which time the President called on Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Presidents since then have continued to make proclamations to observe German-American Day.