THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY WAGNER, M. SMITH, BRADFORD, CALTAGIRONE, DALEY, DEASY, DiGIROLAMO, ELLIS, FLECK, GEIST, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, HENNESSEY, HESS, HORNAMAN, KULA, MALONEY, MANN, MILLARD, MILNE, MIRABITO, M. O'BRIEN, REICHLEY, SAINATO, STURLA, SWANGER, VEREB AND YOUNGBLOOD, OCTOBER 18, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, OCTOBER 18, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commemorating the 2011 National Convention of

the German American National Congress to be held in

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 27 through 30, 2011.

WHEREAS, The mission of Deutsch Amerikanischer National

Kongress, also known as DANK, is to preserve and promote the

Germanic culture, heritage and language by way of underscoring

the rich history, longstanding traditions and countless

contributions of Germans and German Americans; and

WHEREAS, Following the aftermath of World War II, a chasm

emerged between Americans and German Americans which gave rise

to strained ethnic relations between the two groups in the

United States; and

WHEREAS, During this period, an organization that represented

the interests of German Americans on a national scale became a

necessity; and 

WHEREAS, On December 12, 1958, the groundwork for the

organization was laid in a historic meeting convened by Mr.

Leonard Enders, editor of the German-language newspaper

Abenspost und Sonntagspost; and

WHEREAS, On January 30, 1959, DANK was founded and elected

its first board in Chicago, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, One of the main focuses of DANK was to promote

cooperation and unity amongst individuals of German descent both

domestically and abroad; and 

WHEREAS, DANK would continue to grow in size, influence and

scope, thus providing German Americans with a robust national

voice; and

WHEREAS, On October 6, 1987, DANK's influence would manifest

when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed it "German-American

Day"; and

WHEREAS, DANK boasts over 30 chapters and possesses an

impressive network of associate member societies spanning across

the United States; and  

WHEREAS, The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, chapter of DANK

celebrates its 30th anniversary during this calendar year; and

WHEREAS, To mark this momentous occasion, it is with great

pleasure that the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, receive the

distinguished honor of hosting the 2011 National Convention of

the German American National Congress; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and

commemorate the 2011 National Convention of the German American

National Congress to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

October 27 through 30, 2011.