German-American Day, 2010

Proclamation 8580 of October 6, 2010

German-American Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The American story has been written by those who have
come to our shores in search of freedom, opportunity,
and the chance at a better life. The German men and
women who braved numerous perils to cross the Atlantic
long ago left a legacy of millions of Americans of
German ancestry who have been an integral part of our
national life. On German-American Day, we pay tribute
to the role this community has played in shaping
America and contributing to our progress and
prosperity.

On October 6, 1683, 13 courageous German families
arrived in Pennsylvania to start a new life. They began
a chapter in the American narrative that has influenced
our country in all walks of life, and their resolve
lives on in the men, women, and families of German
descent who enhance civic engagement, steer our
industries, and fortify our Nation's character. With
their dedication and determination, the United States
has been a leader in ingenuity and entrepreneurship,
and has delivered a message of hope and opportunity
that resonates around the world. Today, German
Americans innovate and excel as leaders in all sectors
of our society.

On this occasion, we honor not only the countless
achievements and rich heritage of German Americans, but
also the strong ties between Germany and the United
States. Our two nations share unbreakable bonds as
allies with solemn obligations to one another's
security; values that inspired those brave settlers
four centuries ago; and a vision for a safer, freer,
more peaceful, more prosperous world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2010, as
German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn
more about the history of German Americans and reflect
on the many contributions they have made to our Nation.

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