In 1987 U.S. President Ronald Regan proclaimed October 6th German American History Day which honors settlers to what became the USA since October 6, 1683. Those of us with German ancestors, whose descendants were born in the United States long before The Great War and World War II, may know about the prejudiced climate that our people faced due to these wars. Until I researched my family genealogy, my living paternal side always told us that we were Holland-Dutch. Excerpted from Regan's proclamation> "The United States has embraced a vast array of German traditions, institutions, and influences. Many of these have become so accepted as parts of our way of life that their ethnic origin has been obscured. For instance, Christmas trees and Broadway musicals are familiar features of American society. Our kindergartens, graduate schools, the social security system, and labor unions are all based on models derived from Germany. "German teachers, musicians, and enthusiastic amateurs have left an indelible imprint on classical music, hymns, choral singing, and marching bands in our country. In architecture and design, German contributions include the modern suspension bridge, Bauhaus, and Jugendstil. German-American scientists have helped make the United States the world's pioneer in research and technology. The American work ethic, a major factor in the rapid rise of the United States to preeminence in agriculture and industry, owes much to German-Americans' commitment to excellence." To date, Germans are the largest immigrant group in the United States of America. Barb