Virtual Presentation: The Life and Legacy of Baron von Steuben on Sept. 17 at 1 pm ET

As we continue to celebrate America 250 and the influence of German-speaking immigrants, we invite you to join us for a  virtual presentation on Baron von Steuben. He began his career as a Prussian military officer, and after arriving in the United States, he not only revolutionized the Continental Army, leading them to victory against King George III’s troops, but his influence continues to this very day. Steuben’s drill manual, Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, became the foundation for the country’s military. Although the tactical maneuvers have evolved, his core concepts of standardized training, unit discipline, sanitation, and leadership hierarchy continue to shape the modern military major ways.

Join us on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 1 pm ET for a virtual presentation with Mr. Randall Ratje to explore the life and legacy of Baron von Steuben.

This is a free event, but you need to register to receive the Zoom link. You can use the button below or email us directly at [email protected].

Mr. Ratje resides in New York and has been a licensed attorney in the State of New York since 1991. He graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law, in Valparaiso, Indiana in 1990. Over the latter part of his legal career, from 1996 to 2021, he prosecuted Child Abuse and Neglect cases in Family Court in Suffolk County, New York. He is now semi- retired from the practice of law.

Mr. Ratje graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History in 1987. During his time at Hofstra University, he was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta International History Honor Society.

As a son of a German immigrant father and of a mother of German American descent, Mr. Ratje grew up with a sense of pride in his German ancestry. The combination of Mr. Ratje’s love of history with his ethnic pride has spurred his participation in many German American organizations.

As soon as he was old enough to vote, Mr. Ratje followed in his parents’ footsteps by becoming a member of the Steuben Society of America. The Steuben Society is a patriotic organization of American citizens of German descent which has been in existence since May 19, 1919.

Over the years, Mr. Ratje has served the Steuben Society in many capacities. He worked his way up through the board of officers of the Henry E. Steinway Unit, No. 66, of Patchogue, New York, where he ultimately served two separate terms as Chairman of the Unit.

Mr. Ratje also went on to serve as Chairman of the New York State Council of the Steuben Society from 2001 to 2004. He then served as National Chairman of the Steuben Society from 2004 to 2012. Currently, Mr. Ratje serves as National Secretary and as Chairman of the Society’s Education Committee. Mr. Ratje is also President of the Steuben Endowment Corporation.

During his tenure as National Chairman of the Steuben Society, Mr. Ratje also served as a Co-National Chairman of the German American Joint Action Committee, also known as GAJAC. GAJAC was formed as a partnership between the Steuben Society, the German American National Congress (DANK) and the United German American Committee of the US, Inc (now known as the German American Heritage Foundation).

Mr. Ratje also serves on the Board of Directors of the German American Committee of Greater New York which oversees the operations of the German American Steuben Parade in New York City. He is also a member of the Society for German American Studies and he is a member of the Hermann Monument Society, based in New Ulm, Minnesota.