49th. Annual German-American Steuben Parade 5th. Avenue in New York City on September 17,2006 The 129 year old Plattduetsche Volksfest Vereen of New York & New Jersey (PVV) is leading the celebration of germanic cultures. Athough the name is German-American Steuben Parade, it does not depict just the accomplishments of German immigrants and their descendants alone, but includes those of all German-speaking counties, such as Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Northern Italy, as well as all the German-speaking provinces in Central and Eastern Europe. PVV Members: The Young German-American Club march in their trademark black rugbys. In 2002, Tom Bollinger carried both national flags the entire parade route. Go Tom!   Why do we have the parade? The purpose and aim of this Parade is to provide all Americans and our leaders with a visual picture of the part played by Germanic immigrants and their descendants in the development of the United States by depicting noteworthy historic events on colorful floats: from Franz Daniel Pastorius, leader of the first group from Krefeld, founder of the first permanent German settlement in Germantown, Philadelphia in 1683; to John Peter Zenger, father of the Freedom of the Press; to Carl Schurz who helped elect President Lincoln and founded the National Parks system; to such recent statesmen as Congressman Hamilton Fish, Senator Robert F. Wagner, his son Robert Wagner, Mayor of New York City, and Henry Kissinger; as well as men of science, such as John Roebling, Ottmar Mergenthaler, Albert Einstein, Wernher von Braun, and many others, e.g., Levy Strauss. Within American pop culture decendents of germanic heritage include Sandra Bullock, David Hasselhoff, Siegfried & Roy, uber-models Claudia Schiffer and Heidi Klume, sportsmen Boris Becker, racing car driver Schumacher. Naming the Parade The Parade is named for Baron Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben who came to the American colonies as a volunteer, offering his services to the embattled General George Washington. General von Steuben personally drilled troops, instilling in them much needed inspiration, confidence and competence which was the decisive factor in achieving ultimate victory in the Revolutionary War. The First Parade Leaders in the German-American community were keenly aware that many immigrant groups in the Metropolitan Area expressed their pride in their heritage with an annual parade. Why not the German ethnics, one of the most valued and important immigrant groups? After a successful parade in 1957 on Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood in the predominantly German-American community, sufficient momentum was gained to stage the first German-American Parade on Manhattan's fabulous Fifth Avenue, September 20, 1958. Support for the Parade was outstanding. The Parade lasted two hours, a most impressive display of ethnic culture, pride and heritage, while thousands of marchers, floats and bands were enthusiastically cheered by over 155,000 onlookers along the way. The Cornflower The Cornflower, the floral emblem of the Steuben Parade, has a significance far beyond the event with which it has become inseparably identified. It is in fact the ethnic symbol of the German-American community. The idea of such an association goes back before the inception of the Steuben parade. It was first suggested by Walter Rothaug, founding member of the Steuben Society of America, and the idea was introduced at a public event conducted by the Society many years ago. But why the Cornflower? There are several reasons. This simple flower is found in the grain fields throughout the old country, mingled with the ripening grain, side by side with the red poppy, brightening the countryside everywhere throughout the long summer months. Hence the name "Kornblume" or Cornflower. Although it is not a native flower, it is certainly well-known in the United States under the name of "Bachelor's Button" or "Bluebottle" and widely cultivated in gardens. Blue symbolizes truth and loyalty -- qualities which have long been ascribed to the Germanic people. Sentimental references are even found in history books. The Cornflower was the favorite flower of "Kaiser" Wilhelm I of the Second Empire and that of the charming "Kaiserin" Augusta Victoria. The Parade Organization The continued success of the Parade from the first to the present is due to the dedication and commitment of many individuals and affiliated organizations who are to be commended for their efforts. Over the years the Parade has grown tremendously with the participation of many members from the Germanic-American Community, including singing societies, sports clubs, social and welfare groups, fraternal orders, religious groups, trade unions, folklore and dance groups, carnival societies and many more. In addition, many thousands of participants from German speaking countries and/or areas are attracted to New York for the Parade every year, encouraging the spirit of German-American friendship.

(c) 2004 The Plattduetsche Volksfest Vereen of New York & New Jersey (PVV). All rights reserved.