INTRODUCTION OF HECKER

Hecker is proud to be named like Friedrich Hecker, one of the most important revolutionists of 1848, who was born in Eichtersheim, Baden. Friedrich Hecker was a lawyer, an active politician in Germany and the US, opposed slavery and worked for the same political goals in Illinois like Abraham Lincoln. He always remained a hero for the Republicans in Germany and the German-Americans of his time. Friedrich Hecker also served as colonel of the U.S. Army. As the commander of a Brigade he actually should even have become General. However Friedrich Hecker always said very openly, what he thought. He left the Army when he didn’t get promoted. This character is one of the most important reasons why our Hecker is named for Friedrich Hecker: both Heckers never had a problem with “peeing someone at the leg” (German formulation) …

Like Friedrich Hecker in the 19^th century, our Hecker is a symbol for German values, like bravery, courage, intelligence, freedom and discipline.

As it was Germania who brought Germerika and Hecker together, our Hecker is also a (Swabian/ Alemanic) immigrant, like Friedrich Hecker.

Friedrich Hecker as leader of the “Heckerzug = Hecker Campaign“. He recognized much earlier than others that a cooperation with the old royalist powers would lead to failure. Apart from that many poor people, who had carried out the revolution, weren’t allowed to vote in the elections for the National Assembly. Therefore he decided to try to achieve a democratic republic with military measures. The great behaviour of his troops made him a legend for the people.

Hecker loves: Germerika, Germania, Uncle Sam, children, sheep, the moon, sausages, schnitzels, Illinois, New Orleans (the “Crescent City“), tennis(balls) and Friedrich Hecker! His favourite song is “Hecker hoch!”, which German democrats had dedicated to Friedrich Hecker after he had to leave Germany. (The explanation for the expression “Hecker hoch!” can be found in Missouri …)

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