German Pioneers Day in Kitchener

The day after Thanksgiving is important in our culture, to us as a community and also for Canada striving to celebrate the important work the many people who arrived at these shores have done. Each culture brought something valuable to this country, in its formative years as well as in more recent times.

In the well over 300 years that Germans have come here they brought their considerable skills and work ethic, as well as a desire for freedom and a better way of life that was not always possible in their homeland. Thus there is no shortage in finding families and individuals that should be acknowledged for their contributions to the forming and continuing wellbeing of Canada.

The Transylvania Brass Band under director Steve Schatz Sr. opens the proceedings in City Hall Kitchener

The legacies of old are still active and well practiced among us. It is apparent in the people that are being honoured and commemorated each year. Equally important is the fact that more and more it is openly recognized that these valuable and often vital contributions were made by Germans in this country. It is a much needed sign that we all can move on from a difficult past into a hopefully much better future.

Singing of the National hymns

Gerhard Griebenow, chairman of the committee, greeted and introduced a long list of officials from various government levels.

The speakers

Pastor Walter Hambrock, Bethel Church

Ken Seiling, Chairman, Region of Waterloo

Carl Zehr, Mayor of Kitchener

Anton (Toni) Bergmeier, President DKK National

Dr. Robert Luck, Austrian Consul and Trade Commissioner

Unfortunately the German Consulate was not present at all this year, neither was a Swiss representative, but Dr. Luck of the Austrian Consulate came. Also the newly elected President of the German Canadian Congress, Karsten Mertens, attended. He came from a hastily arranged flag raising event in Toronto at Queens Park that almost did not make it. We only found out an hour prior to the event. Originally it was cancelled and then resurrected with the help of the Hon. John Milloy, who has proven to be very interested in the German community and Karsten Mertens.

German Language School Concordia Choir, director Angelika Werner

The list of greetings in the program has also steadily grown and the program has found a usable format with presentations of the plaques to the recipients and entertainment having a nice balance, giving the proceedings the right amount of decorum.

Families Betzner and Schoerg, introduction by Toni Bergmeier, presentation of plagues by Gerhard Griebenow

This year the decedents of the first Mennonite families in Waterloo County were honoured. The families Betzner and Schoerg came to revive some of the collective memories and received their plaque. The program tells the stories of their early struggles and subsequent successes.

The Scholtes family, introduced by Alfred Lowrick
Musical interlude by the Scholtes family & friends

And then there was the Scholtes family who have been in Canada since 1949 and brought much music to the region. Their commitment to the community and music is astounding. What they can do everyone could experience firsthand through the performance all were treated to by the family.

The Heffner family, introduced by Helene Schramek

A little closer to present time the Heffner family, of German origin, came here from Hungary during the Hungarian revolution. The family’s involvement in the community as well as their car dealership are well known in Kitchener. John Heffner was at hand with wife and family to receive his plaque.

Teutonia Stratford Choir, director Marianne Kelly