The word is out: It is good to be of German descent in Ontario. At no time since WWII has the sentiment swung so positively in favour of the German Canadian population as now. This became especially apparent during the various celebrations on Pioneers Day, the day after Thanksgiving, which was also an election day in Canada.

A flag-raising was organized at Queen’s Park, Toronto, and a sizable amount of people came to participate this year.

Tony Ruprecht, M.P.P., reminiscent about his father’s teachings in German, officiated over this now annual event and reminded all present of the tremendous impact the German Canadian people had on this province and this nation.

The German Consul General Holger Raasch was amazed at the thoroughness with which Mr. Ruprecht had researched the subject, which left him with only a few things to add from his perspective.

John Milloy, M.P.P. Kitchener, who had worked with Wayne Wettlaufer on preparing the bill that brought us Pioneers Day, had a whole lot of unusual and far reaching things to say about the German input in this country.

The National Anthems was sung by part of the Austrian Choir Edelweiss under the direction of Manfred Petz.

Dr. Robert Luck, Austrian Consul & Trade Commissioner	Dr. Bruno Ryff, Swiss Consul General

Greetings also came from Frank Klees, M.P.P., and the Consul Generals of Austria and Switzerland.

At the end of this ceremony 40 invited guests - and a few extras - repaired for the first time ever to a location inside of Queen’s Park for a celebratory reception, where we heard more impromptu speeches on all things German, and more entertainment, including a "Jodler" sung by Margarete Schauer.

This first ever festivity inside of Queen’s Park is signaling a much broader acceptance of all things German. No doubt the diligent pursuit of common business interests from abroad and friendship contributed as much to this as the local Canadian efforts by many members of the German Canadian community. By setting a good example, by being responsible and contributing members of society we have now won the open recognition of our fellow Canadians.

One might argue that this was highly overdue, but such things are not like a mathematical equation. A lot of emotions are involved in such makings. Holger Raasch, Consul General of Germany, understood how to motivate the powers that are into a more advanced mode of diplomacy, one that is more demonstrative in its stance. Knowing the rules of engagement and knowing how to play by those rules , being interested in the participating partners ad their needs is what it is all about. Being inclusive, inviting the other German language cultures into the celebrations also lends not just support, but unites people of similar culture of European backgrounds on other shores. Outreach and cooperation are the new operative words in motion.

Kitchener Celebration

Many participants at Queen’s Park made their way to Kitchener’s City Hall, where another annual celebration of German Pioneers Day took place. Each year since its inception pioneers of our heritage are chosen to be presented with a special recognition of their important contributions to this province.

Often it is the decedents of such persons that accept it on behalf of their ancestors. This year was not different.

Transylvania Brass Band, Director Jeremy Frim

The familiar program started in City Hall with exhibits and displays in the Rotunda, film showings in the Council Chamber, and ongoing entertainment by the later to be honoured Transylvania Brass Band, under the baton of Jeremy Frim.

Filled to capacity
Many dignitaries

At 5 pm the space was filled to capacity and all were welcomed by event Chairman Gerhard Grievenow.

After an invocation and the singing of National Anthems the audience was treated to a delightful performance of the German Language School Concordia Choir.

German Language School Concordia Choir and conductor Angela Werner

The children always hit everyone’s soft spot with the wonderful songs that Angela Werner taught them.

In due course the greetings were delivered by Ken Seiling, Chairman Region of Waterloo, Carl Zehr, popular Mayor of Kitchener, the Consuls General Mr. Holger Raasch of Germany, and his colleagues Dr. Robert Luck of Austria, and Dr. Bruno Ryff of Switzerland, also by Tony Bergmeier, President of the German Canadian Congress Canada.

Greetings from:
Ken Seiling, Chairman Region of Waterloo	Carl Zehr, Mayor of Kitchener
Holger Raasch, German Consul General	Dr. Bruno Ryff, Swiss Consul General
Dr. Robert Luck, Austrian Consul & Trade Commissioner	Tony Bergmeier, President German Canadian Congress National

The Chairman referred everyone to the many letters of greetings that were present in the Commemorative Booklet everyone received.

The German-Canadian Friendship Award signed by Matthias Höpfner, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, handed to Wayne Wettlaufer by Holger Raasch, German Consul General, after giving greetings to the audience.
Holger Raasch hands the Award to a surprised Wayne Wettlaufer	Wayne Wettlaufer accepting the German-Canadian Friendship Award
l.t.r.: Wayne Wettlaufer, Holger Raasch & Mrs. Wettlaufer	German-Canadian Friendship Award signed by Matthias Höpfner, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

The list of honorary guests was especially long this year and after having everyone introduced the Swiss Jodel Friends, all farmers from the local area, performed the most beautiful Swiss songs, adding a different dimension to the proceedings.

Swiss Jodel Friends
...jodel for the enthusiastic audience...
...and for Swiss Consul General Dr. Bruno Ryff and Holger Raasch and Tony Bergmeier

The special ceremonies of announcing the recipients of the plaques took up the rest of the program. John Cleghorn and Carol Timusk introduced Mabel Dunham, a librarian who did a tremendous amount of cataloging for the Kitchener Public Library for decades (35 Years) and she enthused many children and adults alike to read. She also was the Librarian Association President and held a great many other respectable positions. A relative accepted the plaque.

A plaque for Mabel Dunham
John Cleghorn	Carol Timusk

Grace Schmidt, introduced by Mary Johnson, was another beloved librarian without which the region could not do. She contributed a lot to the Waterloo Region Heritage Foundation and helped to restore the historic Joseph Schneider House. She won many honors along the way and was active until recently. Descendent were at hand to receive the plaque.

A plaque for Grace Schmidt

And then the Transylvania Club Brass (Hofbräu) Band received its special honour. This band has entertained and kept up the traditions of old since 1949 and is still going strong.

A plaque for the Transylvania Club Brass Band

The Transylvania Choir, Director Ian Clark, helped everyone sing one last anthem, the Canadian, to end this eventful day, that was not quite over for organizers of the Kitchener Waterloo Region organizers of this and other events, like Oktoberfest, which was still in full swing.

The Transylvania Choir und director Ian Clark

At the Transylvania Club a special dinner was arrangbed where the hardworking volunteers and contributors were acknowledged and thanked.

That night all was well for most people. Some of our political friends made it back into office, and others did not.

It must be obvious to anyone who attends events such as this that being German is wunderbar!

Until next time

Sybille Forster-Rentmeister