German-American Day, 2006

Proclamation 8061 of October 3, 2006

German-American Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our history, the spirit and hard work of
German Americans have been an important part of the
cultural fabric of our Nation. On German-American Day,
we celebrate German Americans and their many
contributions to the character of our country.

Germans were among the first to settle in this great
land of promise, and their talent, faith, and strong
values helped establish this country as a place of
freedom and opportunity. Today, millions of German
Americans are adding to the success and prosperity of
our Nation as leaders in government, sports, business,
science, the arts, and many other fields.

In every generation, German Americans have courageously
stepped forward to serve in our country's hour of need.
During the Revolutionary War, General Friedrich von
Steuben helped train the Continental Army for battle,
and in World War II, great men like General Dwight
Eisenhower and Admiral Chester Nimitz helped lead the
Allied Forces to victory. Our Nation will always be
grateful to the many German Americans who have
selflessly answered the call to defend liberty and
advance the cause of freedom as members of our Armed
Forces. The sacrifices of these heroes help preserve
the ideals of our country's founding and make the world
a safer place.

German-American Day is also an opportunity to recognize
the friendship between Germany and the United States.
By working together as partners in peace with a mutual
commitment to liberty, the United States and Germany
can lay the foundation for a more hopeful tomorrow.

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, 2006, as German-
American Day. I encourage all Americans to celebrate
our Nation's German heritage and the many ways German
Americans have enriched and strengthened our country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.