Von Steuben Day
September 20, Saturday
New York
History of the holiday
Baron von Steuben arrived in America in 1777 and offered his services to General George Washington. He trained American soldiers in European military standards, greatly improving the army's effectiveness. After the war, von Steuben settled in New York, where he passed away in 1794.
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed September 17 as Von Steuben Day, recognizing his contribution to American independence.
How it is celebrated
Main events take place in New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In New York, the parade starts on Fifth Avenue and continues to 86th Street, attracting thousands of spectators. Parade participants, many of whom wear traditional German costumes such as dirndls and lederhosen, showcase the culture and traditions of the German-American community.
In Philadelphia, the parade includes a gala dinner, an ecumenical service, and an Oktoberfest-style festival.
Symbolism and significance
The holiday serves as a reminder of the German-American community's contributions to the development of the United States and emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity. It also celebrates the achievements of Baron von Steuben, whose training and discipline methods became the foundation for modern military training in the U.S.
Von Steuben Day in other years
- 2022 September 17, Saturday
- 2023 September 16, Saturday
- 2024 September 21, Saturday
- 2026 September 19, Saturday