WHEREAS, Saturday, September 28, 2002 has been proclaimed General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben Day in honor of his outstanding dedication and determination to this great country during the Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, in remembrance of his indispensable contribution to the achievement of American independence, German Americans commemorate his accomplishments with a host of doings, including an annual festival and parade; and
WHEREAS, the activities included during General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben Day consist of an annual parade of floats and bands from across the United States and Germany, led by the Wehrbereichsmusikkorps III from Erfurt, Germany representing the Federal Republic of Germany; and
WHEREAS, participants also include Burgeler Faschings-Club e.V., an official delegation from the Stadt Burgel, Oberschlesische Volkstrachtengruppe, Berlin, Blasorchester TV John Bockum 01 e.V., Krefeld, Kapelle Hebelmusik Hausen im Wiesental, and the Valley Forge Military Academy; and
WHEREAS, the annual festival has become a vehicle for all people of German American Heritage to celebrate their contributions to our fair nation and also as a day to honor all German Americans who gave their lives so that our children can continue to live in the greatest democracy existing in the free world; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the memory of not only General von Steuben but of all German Americans who greatly contributed in making our country a better place by declaring Saturday, September 28, 2002 as General Friedrich von Steuben Day and designate the area of 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway as “Steuben Paltz” in celebration of the Thirty Second Annual Steuben Day Parade.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Major General Karol A. Kennedy, Parade Grand Marshal, as evidence of this legislative action.
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