Celebrating German American Heritage Through Family, Legacy, and Community

By Bridgette Crosby

German American Heritage Month is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of the strength, values, and sacrifices that built our families and our nation. My ancestors came to America fleeing religious persecution and military conscription, settling in a Kansas town founded by my great-great-grandfather. Though their language and culture were once silenced during times of war, their belief in faith, freedom, and hard work endured and continues to shape who I am today.

That sense of legacy also inspires my work in the community. For the past 25 years, I have documented the growth and transformation of Queen Creek, Arizona, San Tan Valley, Arizona as well as in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, through writing, photography, and storytelling, an effort that I continue today through my small business, True Nature Media. Over the years, I have supported local nonprofits, historical societies and small businesses, and I have championed the revival of the Desert Diggers Garden Club, an historic organization founded by pioneer families and deeply woven into our community's heritage. These efforts are my way of honoring the courage and commitment of those who came before me.

My father and his eight brothers were told not to speak German or acknowledge their heritage during World War II, yet when the call to serve came, they all enlisted. As teenagers, they stormed beaches under enemy fire and helped liberate Europe with chocolate bars in one hand and rifles in the other. They returned home as heroes, carrying scars and stories, along with a profound belief in the promise of American freedom, a belief that continues to inspire my own life and work.

This year marks 149 years since my family arrived in America. To honor that, I launched Operation Mill Stones, a project to preserve the original stones from my great-great-grandfather’s mill. These stones are more than just artifacts. They symbolize endurance, craftsmanship, and the foundation our ancestors built. It is one way I am working to pass on the values that shaped us: gratitude, perseverance, and pride in both heritage and country.

Earlier this year, I had the honor of sharing my family’s journey during the 2025 National Convention of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) in Lincoln, Nebraska. My presentation, titled "Stone by Stone: Volga Germans and Their Lasting Impact on Western Culture, Food, and Farming," was an opportunity to reflect on how German American immigrants helped shape agricultural practices, communities, and cultural identity across the American West.

Connecting Heritage With Community Leadership

Following the convention, I was deeply honored to be invited to serve as the Community and Outreach Editor for the Arizona Sun Chapter of AHSGR. This has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for preserving our Volga German heritage and to help keep these important stories alive for future generations.

Here in Queen Creek, Arizona, and San Tan Valley, Arizona, the German American influence continues to be part of our cultural fabric. Families with German roots helped establish farms, businesses, and traditions that still shape the values and quality of life in our community today.

As a military mom, I founded Military Moms of Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, supporting troops and military families for nearly two decades. That same spirit of service inspires my work with Liberty & Lit, a book club exploring America’s founding ideals, and my efforts to move and repurpose the historic Big Tin Cotton Gin and the surrounding World War II era buildings, giving new life to landmarks that preserve our shared history.

In today’s divided world, remembering where we come from helps us understand one another. True patriotism is not about flags or fireworks. It is about connection, service, and the courage to listen with empathy. Our veterans and military families remind us daily that freedom is not free. Honoring them means living lives that reflect their sacrifice, not just in words, but in action.

So let us celebrate with purpose, not just through festivals and traditions, but by sharing our stories, honoring our heritage and culture, and teaching our children that true patriotism is built on gratitude, service, and unity. In America, we have the freedom to research, embrace, and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and heritage. This freedom itself is a treasure worth protecting. Let us listen with empathy, support one another, and build communities rooted in love for both country and neighbor.

And above all, let us thank our veterans not just in words, but in actions that carry their legacy forward Loving our country is the heart of true patriotism.

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved in preserving and celebrating our heritage in Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, or beyond, please feel free to contact me directly at TrueNature.media. You can also learn more about the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia at AHSGR.org.