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WHEREAS, those of German descent began immigrating to Pennsylvania in 1683, and many settled on what is now known as Pittsburgh's Northside, where the influence of German culture is still visible today; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of these immigrants and their offspring, the Alliance of Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh (German, Austrian and Swiss) will host their fourth annual German Heritage Parade in Historic Deutschtown, on Saturday, September 14, 2013; and
WHEREAS, before the parade, antique German automobiles will be on display in Allegheny Commons East for all to see; and
WHEREAS, the parade will proceed from the Commons along East Ohio Street, stopping for performances outside Priory Fine Pastries, crossing the I-279 overpass, turning left at Madison Avenue and then right on Phineas Street and ending at the Teutonia Männerchor at the corner of Phineas and Chestnut Streets; and
WHEREAS, the parade will include dignitaries from various German, Austrian and Swiss organizations, German Folk Dance groups, singing societies, and the Mt. Lebanon Band; and
WHEREAS, following the parade there will be a luncheon at the Teutonia Männerchor, a celebration that will include musical performances and recognition of local German history, where two individuals will be honored for their significant impact on the Pittsburgh area; and
WHEREAS, honoree Tom Pastorius (In Memoriam 1944-2012), who was a descendent of Pennsylvania's first German immigrant, Franz Daniel Pastorius, started Penn Brewery to brew top quality German beer, which brought pride to the Historic Deutschtown community, gratitude from lovers of great beer, and a plethora of awards; and
WHEREAS, honoree Conrad Ostertag, whose father emigrated from Basel, Switzerland in the early 1920s, has served as the President of the Swiss America Society, and is currently the President of the Swiss Singers, and Vice President of the Alliance of Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh, where he plays an important role...
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