German-American Day, 2001

Proclamation 7481 of October 5, 2001

German-American Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, on October 6, we recognize German Americans
for their many contributions to our Nation. From the
first German immigrants who accompanied Captain John
Smith to Jamestown more than 300 years ago to the more
than 7 million Germans who have since followed them to
our shores, Americans of German descent have played a
vital role in establishing the strength of our
country's democratic spirit. Throughout our history,
German Americans have contributed to every facet of the
American experience.

German-American soldiers valiantly served our country
during the American Revolution. General Frederick
Wilhelm von Steuben helped train the Continental Army
at Valley Forge; and General Nicholas Herkimer led
German settlers in New York's Mohawk Valley in one of
the war's bloodiest battles. German Americans also have
influenced greatly our artistic heritage. Emanuel
Leutze's 1851 painting, ``Washington Crossing the
Delaware River,'' remains a cherished and recognized
symbol of American courage and determination.

German Americans advanced our civic liberties through
their strong support for freedom of the press. As
publisher of the New York Weekly Journal, John Peter
Zenger championed the rights of citizens to criticize
elected officials in print. The German-language
newspaper Pennsylvania Staatsbote published the first
printed copy of the Declaration of Independence. And in
directing The New York Times through modernization in
the early 20th century, Adolph Ochs helped set a new
standard for balanced and innovative reporting.

Many German Americans who settled here brought with
them values that enhanced and developed the American
commitment to freedom. A considerable number of these
immigrants joined other freedom loving Americans in
becoming leaders in the anti-slavery movement. And
thousands of German Americans volunteered to fight for
the Union in the Civil War.

On this day, Americans of all backgrounds commemorate
our Nation's close relationship with Germany. German
Americans have influenced our history, strengthened our
ideals, and enriched our culture, and, in the years
ahead, they will continue their noble role in helping
to ensure the vitality of our democracy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2001, as German-
American Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize
the contributions of our citizens of German descent to
the liberty and prosperity of the United States, and to
celebrate our close ties to the people of Germany.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B