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WHEREAS, those of German descent began emigrating to Pittsburgh in 1683, continuing in three large waves prior to 1776 and another just after WWII to be near family who had emigrated here before the war; and
WHEREAS, the Alliance of Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh will be hosting their second bi-annual German Parade in Deutschtown on Pittsburgh's North side; and
WHEREAS, this year, three individuals - past and present - will be honored at the celebration of local German history at the Teutonia Männerchor for the impact and significance they have had on the Pittsburgh area; and
WHEREAS, honoree Alexander Negley was an American pioneer and soldier in the Revolutionary War who established one of the first church organizations in Pittsburgh and in 1778 moved his family to what is now Highland Park making them the first European settlers in that area; and
WHEREAS, while serving in the US Army in World War II, honoree Elmer J. Menhart developed a love for German culture and has served as a delegate, president, and chairperson for international and national German organizations and to this day Elmer is an active singer with the Teutonia Männerchor and Honorary Member of Bloomfield Liedertafel; and
WHEREAS, honoree Christel Van Maurik was born in Wiehe, Germany, and later settled in Pittsburgh, where she served as Editor of the Teutonia News for 17 years, and acted as First Lady during the 15-year presidency of her husband, serving in an influential role in the promotion of German Choral Singing and Culture; and
WHEREAS, participating in the parade as a special guest will be the Mayor of (the sister city of Saxonburg, Pa.) Mulhausen, Germany, which was also the birthplace of John Roebling who designed and built the original Smithfield Street bridge and the aqueduct in Deutschtown - as well as his masterpiece - the Brooklyn Bridge; and
WHEREAS, there will be an antique German Auto display in the Allegheny Commons East in which antique Volkswagens, Porsches...
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