February 2001 - Nr. 2
William Hetzler
New York’s "Most Famous German-American,"
Awarded Germany’s Highest Civilian Honour
New York - William Hetzler, General Chairman of the German-American Steuben Parade, was honoured with the First Class Cross of Merit Award from the Federal Government of Germany. The award is the highest civilian honour given by the German Government.
German Consul General Bernard von der Planitz presented the award to Mr. Hetzler at the German House in Manhattan. The German government bestowed this honour on MR. Hetzler for his significant cultural contributions to improving German-Jewish relations, for his 11-year commitment as General Chairman of the German-American Steuben Parade and his service as Governor Pataki’s advisor on German affairs.
"I share this award with my family and the German community which has allowed me the privilege to serve them honourably and with pride. I am motivated and encouraged by this award, and I look forward to continuing my efforts," states Mr. Hetzler.
Donald Trump, Norman Gottfried, a leader in the German-Jewish community and Supreme Court Justice Ute W. Lally were among the crowd of community leaders who paid tribute to Mr. Hetzler.
William Hetzler has been active in public service for several decades. In his pursuit to further improve the interests of Americans with German heritage, he serves on many boards of municipal organizations and cultural institutions. Aside from his duties as Chairman of the German-American Steuben Parade Committee, Mr. Hetzler is also the honorary President of the United German-American Committee of the USA, Inc. and Director and Treasurer of the German-American Committee of Greater New York, Inc. Mr. Hetzler immigrated from Germany in 1957 as a teenager, and served two years in the U.S. Army.
