In 1683, thirteen families from Germany established Germantown, Pennsylvania, which became the first German settlement in America and was the first community in America to formally protest the evils of slavery. Their descendants continue to shape the cultural and economic landscape of our state, with over 2.7 million Pennsylvanians claiming German ancestry today and over 43,000 Pennsylvanians employed by German-based companies today.

In honor of the importance German Americans have had in our state, I am introducing a resolution to recognize October 6, 2024, as “German American Day” in Pennsylvania. German Americans should have their heritage and contribution to our state’s history recognized. Doing so will encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn about the ways in which German Americans have shaped and continue to help shape Pennsylvanian culture.

I ask that you join me in recognizing the cultural impact that German Americans have had on our state. This action will help to bring special attention to the long and storied history of German Americans in Pennsylvania.