Two Extraordinary Leaders. One Incredible Celebration of German-American Friendship.
New York City is getting ready to celebrate!
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Fifth Avenue will once again be transformed into a spectacular celebration of German heritage, culture, music, tradition, and friendship as the 69th German-American Steuben Parade marches through the heart of New York City.
Leading this year’s celebration are two truly remarkable Grand Marshals: Jens Hanefeld, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States and Norbert R. Wirsching, International Business Executive & Entrepreneur.
From the world of international diplomacy to the global business community, our 2026 Grand Marshals have each built extraordinary careers spanning continents and generations. Their accomplishments reflect the determination, leadership, innovation, and spirit that have long been part of the German-American story.
We are honored to have them lead the Parade!
Jens Hanefeld
Ambassador of Germany to the United States
There could be no more fitting Grand Marshal for a celebration of German-American friendship than Ambassador Jens Hanefeld.
Born in Cologne, Germany, in 1964, Ambassador Hanefeld has spent decades building bridges between nations and advancing Germany’s relationships around the world.
After studying Modern History and English Language & Literature at the Freie Universität Berlin, he joined the German Foreign Service in 1991.
His diplomatic career has taken him from London and Sofia to Washington, D.C., as well as to senior positions within Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. He served as a personal advisor to several State Secretaries, headed the Office of State Secretaries, and in 2009 returned to Washington as Envoy and Permanent Representative of the German Ambassador.
His career has also included an important chapter in the international business community. In 2014, he joined the Volkswagen Group as Senior Vice President and Head of International & European Policy and Trade Policy.
He later served as German Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union before taking on his current role in July 2025 as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States of America.
Now, in 2026, Ambassador Hanefeld will lead one of New York City’s most spectacular celebrations of German heritage.
We are thrilled to welcome Ambassador Jens Hanefeld as a Grand Marshal of the 69th German-American Steuben Parade!
Norbert R. Wirsching
A Remarkable German-American Story of Global Success
Our second Grand Marshal has a story that truly captures the meaning of dream big, work hard, and go global.
Born in Bad Rotenfels, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Norbert R. Wirsching began his career as a Tool & Die Maker at Mercedes-Benz AG in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
From those beginnings, he built an extraordinary international career that would take him across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
In the 1950s, Wirsching was recruited to Manila, Philippines, to establish a Tool & Die manufacturing operation. After approximately a decade in the Philippines, his career took him to Hong Kong, where he was invited to manage an electronics manufacturing company.
His leadership journey continued to accelerate.
In 1974, he became COO of Capetronic Group Limited, later becoming Chairman and overseeing operations across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Europe, and the United States.
He subsequently joined the Board of BSR PLC in London and became a Director of Poly Peck International PLC. In 1989, as CEO of its International US $1 billion Electronics Division, he orchestrated the acquisition of a 51% stake in Sansui Electric Co., Ltd., the renowned Japanese electronics company.
Throughout his career, Wirsching has been involved in numerous international business acquisitions and sales, becoming a respected leader in the global business community.
But his legacy extends well beyond business.
He served as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Manila Chapter 165, receiving two Awards of Merit. He served as a Trustee of the Wooster School in Danbury, Connecticut, and in 1991 received the prestigious S. David Feir Humanitarian Award from the Anti-Defamation League in New York.
From a Tool & Die Maker in Germany to an international business leader managing operations around the globe, Norbert R. Wirsching’s story is one of determination, vision, entrepreneurship, and achievement.
The German-American Steuben Parade is proud to honor his incredible journey by naming him a 2026 Grand Marshal.
A Grand Tradition of Extraordinary Grand Marshals
For generations, the German-American Steuben Parade has honored individuals who have made their mark in diplomacy, business, entertainment, sports, media, and public life.
Our Grand Marshal tradition has welcomed some of the most recognizable and accomplished names in America, including:
Nik Wallenda
Sixth-generation member of the legendary Flying Wallendas family
Dr. Henry Kissinger
Nobel Peace Prize recipient and former U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State
Carol Alt
Long Island’s own actress, writer, and supermodel
George Steinbrenner
Beloved owner of the New York Yankees
Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Renowned sex therapist and media personality
And now, we proudly add Ambassador Jens Hanefeld and Norbert R. Wirsching to this remarkable tradition.
🎉 Get Ready, New York!
The 69th German-American Steuben Parade is going to be a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Picture the flags waving along Fifth Avenue. Hear the marching bands and traditional German music. See the colorful floats, dancers, clubs, organizations, families, and friends filling the streets.
And at the center of it all will be our two distinguished Grand Marshals, Ambassador Jens Hanefeld and Norbert R. Wirsching, helping lead a celebration that brings together generations of German-Americans and friends of Germany from across the New York metropolitan area and beyond.
Whether your family has been celebrating German heritage for generations or you’re simply looking for one of New York City’s most unique cultural celebrations, come be part of the tradition!
SAVE THE DATE
SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
69th German-American Steuben Parade
Fifth Avenue • New York City
Celebrate the heritage. Experience the tradition. Share the friendship.
Join us on Fifth Avenue and help make the 2026 Steuben Parade unforgettable!
Auf Wiedersehen on Fifth Avenue!
