National German-American Day

In 1983, to honor the 300th anniversary of German-American immigration and culture into the United States, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day.

It was on August 6, 1987, that Congress approved S.I. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day, and it became Public Law 100-104 when President Reagan signed it on August 18.  Proclamation #5719 was issued on October 2, 1987—at this time the President called on Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It has been commemorated each year since with Presidential Proclamations.

This German-American heritage holiday commemorates the 13 German Mennonite families from Krefeld who landed in Philadelphia. These families founded Germantown, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1683.  The settlement was the first German establishment in the original thirteen American colonies.

Don’t forget, it is the Germans who created OktoberFest, which has become a great American Tradition …. many DeKalb County Pubs serve select OktoberFest Beers for the month of October. In Sycamore, check out PJ’s Courthouse Tavern and in DeKalb check out Ellwood Steak and Fish House.