51st Annual German American von Steuben Day Parade

Steuben Day Parade
Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at Noon
Along Fifth Ave from 63rd to 86th St

Hon. Dr. Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State and highest ranking German-born politician in US history will be the grand marshall this year.

Believe it or not this happens to be one of New Yorkled's favorite parades. Every year when we get a chance we sneak on up to the steps in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Prime Viewing! Oh no! I gave it away. Nonetheless, you should show up for this parade and get a glimpse of all the costumes, dancing, marching and music.

Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von (1730-94), Prussian-American general of the American revolutionary army, born in Magdeburg, Prussia (now Germany). He fought with distinction in the Seven Years' War (1756-63) and arrived at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1778, offering his services to Congress and to the Continental Army and its commander, George Washington. He was appointed inspector general, prepared a manual of tactics for the army, remodeled its organization, organized an efficient staff, and improved its discipline. In 1780 he sat on the court-martial of the British army officer Major John André, who was charged with espionage. In the same year he took part, as a major general, in the siege of Yorktown. After the war he received grants of land from several states, and finally Congress voted him a pension of $2400. He became an American citizen in 1783.