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A color photograph of a colorful garden shaded by a tree to the left, under a clear blue sky. The Washington Monument is visible to the right, in the background. Through the tree in the upper left, you can see the rays of sun coming through. In the foreground is a sidewalk that loops around the garden.
Photo of the German American Friendship Garden on a fall morning, facing southeast. Photo by Bailey DeSimone.

Commemorating German-American Friendship Day – Pic of the Week

Posted by: Bailey DeSimone

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Today marks 35 years since the planting of the German-American Friendship Garden. Built in 1988, the garden commemorates 300 years of German immigration to the United States with flora and fauna native to both countries.

On Constitution Avenue NW, just north of the Washington Monument and south of the White House, the small garden is planted beside a fountain. Surrounded by benches and a looping sidewalk, the garden is a calm space on the National Mall where one can learn a bit about natural plants in Germany without boarding a plane.

A color photograph of a colorful garden shaded by a tree to the left, under a clear blue sky. The Washington Monument is visible to the right, in the background. Through the tree in the upper left, you can see the rays of sun coming through. In the foreground is a sidewalk that loops around the garden.
Photo of the German-American Friendship Garden on a fall morning, facing southeast. Photo by Bailey DeSimone.

 

The garden was dedicated by President Ronald Reagan and Chancellor Helmut Kohl following their last meeting. Though this occurred in November, German-American Day takes place every October 6. The 100th Congress first officially recognized German-American Day in 1987 (Public Law 100-104) and recognition continues annually today.

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