German-American Day, 2002

Proclamation 7604 of October 4, 2002

German-American Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As the oldest and longest-lived democracy in the world,
our Nation is committed to promoting freedom,
protecting liberty, and pursuing peace. For over 225
years, America has been a place where people have come
to realize their dreams and enjoy the blessings of
religious tolerance and individual rights.

In 1683, 13 immigrant families left Germany to escape
religious persecution and establish the first German
settlement in North America in Germantown,
Pennsylvania. Since that time, more than 7 million
German immigrants have come to America, and through
hard work, innovation, and dedication, they have
influenced our Nation and strengthened our country.
Each year, we celebrate German-American Day, which
offers us the chance to reflect on the proud and
important contributions that German Americans have made
to the United States.

Carl Schurz, who emigrated from the Rhineland, served
as a United States Senator and Secretary of the
Interior. He said that German immigrants ``could render
no greater honor to their former fatherland than by
becoming conscientious and faithful citizens of their
new country.'' As farmers, businessmen, scientists,
artists, teachers, and politicians, German Americans
have contributed to the values that make our Nation
strong. Through his artistic abilities as a cartoonist
and caricaturist during and following the Civil War,
Thomas Nast established himself as a political voice
for the underprivileged and champion of equal rights
for all citizens.

The important work of Joseph Pulitzer helped to create
the American legacy of freedom of the press and to
advance the field of journalism. Oscar Hammerstein is
known as an integral figure in the history of the
United States opera for building his second Manhattan
Opera House in addition to several other theaters. This
tradition of excellence continued with the musical
talents of his grandson, Oscar Hammerstein II, as he
elevated the American musical comedy to musical theater
that Americans enjoy today. The efforts of German-
American entrepreneurs Levi Strauss, the creator of
blue jeans, and Walter Percy Chrysler, the first
president of Chrysler Corporation in 1925, reflect the
entrepreneurial spirit of our country. Today, German
Americans continue to serve this Nation with
distinction in our Armed Forces, in our communities,
and throughout all sectors of our society.

On this day, we recognize the important and continuing
relationship between Germany and the United States. Our
friendship was forged after World War II and is based
on mutual support and respect. Germany showed
meaningful support for the United States after the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. On this day, I
am pleased to call all Americans to celebrate the
contributions that German Americans have made to our
Nation.

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, 2002, 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
fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B