Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts Reception Celebrating German-American Heritage

August 31, 2023

Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prLgoma9uNI

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. We are extremely excited. I see my fellow members of the Police Department that's here, and I remember back in the days when I was with it in New York City Police Department how proud the Steuben Society was, and just lifting up the German heritage. The most exciting aspect that I wanted to make sure I was here because I was told I get an opportunity to do a good German beer toast. So we're looking forward to that.

But the rich tradition of those who have sought out not only freedom, but prosperity in this amazing country called America, the only country on the globe where dream is attached to its name. And the reason that dream goes from an image to a reality is because of the people. One of the most diverse places you can be is in America in general, but specifically New York City. We celebrate both in a substantive, and I like to say, in a symbolic way. When you have a parade and you're able to march through the streets, showing your flag, showing your pride, we say in this country, don't leave behind your heritage as you embrace your new homeland called America.

That's our secret weapon. The dash that fits between our names, German-dash-American, Irish-dash-American, Italian, African-dash-American, Caribbean-dash-American. You look at all the cumulation of all of our different cultures, we produce this special product of how you could enjoy everything this country and this city has to offer. And the parade is an experience that really brings us all together as we line across the roadways, see the pride walk through our streets, and the celebration.

66 years, think about that, 66 years of showing German pride here in New York City. And I am just really proud to have you here at the Gracie Mansion, I look forward to an amazing parade and participants and lifting up the leader of the parade. Your experience, what you have done for this city, not only as the fire commissioner, but just your commitment and dedication as a firefighter and showing how New York is really who we are because we're made up of the best stuff on Earth. And that's the people that are in New York City. Thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you. Thank you for coming, using Gracie Mansion, and we look forward to an exciting parade this coming weekend. Thank you so much.

So I'm going to present the proclamation to the German-American Steuben Parade Day Committee.

Whereas I'm enormously proud to lead a city with more than 3.2 million immigrant New Yorkers who enhance the future of our culture, civic economic life, as the most diverse global city in the nation, it is important that we champion our differences and continue to strengthen our great metropolis. I applaud these, and all associations and groups, particularly this amazing German-American Steuben Parade Committee. I applaud them for their contributions to the German-American Society here in New York and their efforts to ensure that our great global city remains a welcoming home for all. I, Eric Adams, mayor of the City of New York, honorary German today in the celebration. Thank you very much.