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Pennsylvania Germans

by Chris Kretowicz, 18 September 2002

See also:

State of Pennsylvania

Description of the Flag

The flag of the Pennsylvania Germans (sometime called 'the Pennsylvania Dutch', incorrectly, of course). "Die Pennsylfaanisch Deitsch Faahne" created by "Die Grossdaadi Grundsow Lodge" (The Grandfather Groundhog Lodge) and co-sponsored by other affiliated Pennsylvania German organizations. Dedicated Oct.6, 1989 in Lehigh County Courthouse, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

"COLORS: It is not just a coincidence that the Pennsylvania German flag uses the red, white and blue colors. It signifies that in spite of the ethnic backgrounds, we are first of all and foremost loyal and devoted Americans.

OTHER SYMBOLS on the flag:

SAILING SHIP 'CONCORD' - commemorates the journey from Krefeld to Germantown in 1683, the start of a great migration of German speaking people in search of greater religious freedom and better social and economic conditions in a new area of the world.

KEYSTONE - the symbol of Pennsylvania, the principal and permanent settlement for the majority of early German migrants.

CHURCH - indicative of the devoutness of the Pennsylvania Germans whose religious convictions were a strong motivating force in their daily lives.

PLOW - symbolizes probably the most predominant of Pennsylvania German professions, the farmer. The plow further symbolizes the Pennsylvania German farm as a source of food for state and nation.

HEART & TULIP - represents the great skills and contributions of the Pennsylvania Germans in the field of arts and crafts.

CONESTOGA WAGON - symbolizes the Pennsylvania German's contribution to the need for transportation. The"Ship of Inland Commerce", as it became known, played a very important role in the Revolutionary War under the guidance of Pennsylvania German teamsters. It also played a tremendous role in the westward expansion of our nation.

DIALECT EXPRESSION - "Liewer Gott Im Himmel Drin Loss Uns Deitsche Was Mir Sin" "Dear God in Heaven, Leave Us Germans What We Are", implying "Let us keep our traditional ways". This dialect expression symbolizes the main instrument of communication used by the Pennsylvania Germans in their everyday social and economic associations."

Chris Kretowicz, 18 September 2002