The Swastika will not be permitted in Genesee Park, scene of the annual German Day celebration sponsored by the United German Singing Societies of Buffalo, on August 12.
This step was taken, it was explained, to show that no form of politics whatever will enter into the celebration, which will be attended by over 25,000 German Americans.
According to Gustav Mueller, president of the United German Singing Societies, the formal German flag for the day will be the old German emblem, black, white and red. “Politics in no form whatever will be permitted. It will be a day given over to promote peace and harmony among Germans. It will be a day for Germans who remember, above all, that they are now Americans first and last,” he said.
The motion to ban the swastika is known to coincide with the views of Reine Bettinger, former president of the Bavarian Mannerchor and now vice-president of the Federation of German Societies, who clashed recently with such pro-Nazi organizations as the Friends of New Germany and the DAWA.
“Any attempt to raise the swastika on the grounds of Genesee park,” Mr. Bettinger said, “will end with instant action on my part.
“I will personally remove this symbol of the Hitler administration. I am an American citizen and I stand for all the ideals and principles of Americanism.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
