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Sterling Heights In a long standing tradition each year the German
American Cultural Center of Greater Detroit (GACC) nominates an individual
to be recognized for outstanding personal effort and commitment that
supports and preserves the culture of German speaking associations.
With the GACC there are 14 clubs affiliated with German, Austrian and
Swiss backgrounds, each which pursues the preservation and promotion of its
respective identity, through cultural, social, civic activities. For this
year the clubs formally nominated five individuals. By majority vote, Curt
Kitter of the Austrian Society will be recognized as German-American of Year
2007 when the GACC and its affiliated clubs celebrate the German-American
Day on October 6, 2007.
Curt Kitter was born and raised in a small village in East Prussia. Life
in this part of the world was difficult and filled with hardships during the
post war years. He therefore decided to move to West Germany. Since
conditions there were not much better, he decided in the mid Fifties to
immigrate to the USA. Shortly after he had settled, he was drafted into the
US Army and was stationed in Germany.
In his longing for Old World culture, Curt Kitter joined the Austrian
Society in 1964 and immediately immersed himself in club activities. He
became assistant treasurer in 1975 and only two years later, due to the
sudden death of the Head Treasurer, he was appointed to the Head Treasurer
position, which he holds since then uninterrupted with much dedication.
Besides the role of Head Treasurer, he holds several other positions
within the club. He is the custodian of the history of the Austrian Society,
administers the Austrian Park and coordinates the annual Viennese Strauss
Ball. Because of his commitment and active engagement in many areas of the
club, he contributes significantly to the strength and success of the
Austrian Society and the preservation of German tradition as a whole.
As a long time member of the club, Curt Kitter knew several individuals
who founded the club in 1932. He therefore decided to document his findings
and conversations about the life of the club and so became the custodian of
the club history, a role which he holds up to this date.
Curt Kitter's role as administrator of the Austrian Park he provides the
convenience for GACC affiliated clubs and German business communities to
hold their summer gatherings and to enjoy socializing with friends of German
heritage and those who love German tradition in the well maintained park.
Another major contribution to the German cultural and social life is the
coordination of the well known Viennese Strauss Ball. Under his guidance the
ball has grown to a great event that is well known beyond the boundaries of
the city and State, and is reminiscent to the great balls of Vienna. One of
the highlights of this ball is the opportunity for over 30 young couples to
dance in the polonaise and debutantes to be introduced to formal social
life.
Because of Curt Kitter's dedication and work to promote and uphold the
Austrian tradition, he received in 1995 the prestigious decoration by the
Republic of Austria, the medal "für Verdienste um Republik Österreich".
(Contribution for the preservation of Austrian culture).
The German-American Community of Greater Detroit is fortunate to have an
individual in their midst who devotes much of his time and efforts towards
the preservation of Old World culture, heritage and customs. The Austrian
Society is proud that the GACC has awarded this prestigious award of
German-American of the Year 2007 to one of its members.
Eckart Leitner |
