German-American Day, 2016

Proclamation 9515 of October 5, 2016

German-American Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For centuries, German immigrants have ventured to
American shores for the same reasons as so many
others--to pursue new lives in a land of opportunity
and forge brighter futures for themselves and their
families. These immigrants and their descendants have
changed the course of our history and paved our
country's path of progress, and on German-American Day,
we recognize their role in building a stronger and more
prosperous Nation for all our people.

From those who were among our earliest settlers and
farmers to today's innovative leaders in business and
public service, German Americans have shaped every
sector of our society. More Americans can trace their
roots to Germany than to any other nation, and elements
of German heritage are embedded deeply in our country's
character. German Americans have, throughout our
history, proven that our diversity is one of our
greatest strengths, and that no matter where we come
from, as Americans we are united by the ideal that we
are all created equal.

Today, the alliance between the United States and
Germany is one of the closest the world has ever known.
Our cooperation in striving to protect the security and
sustainability of our planet is guided by the enduring
friendship between our citizens and the experiences and
values that bind us together. On this occasion, let us
honor the achievements of German Americans by renewing
our devotion to beliefs borne out of common
experience--by creating opportunity that lifts up not
just the few but the many, and by affirming the
inherent dignity and equality of every human being.

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, 2016, 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
fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-first.