[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52383-52384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24675]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 196 / Tuesday, October 13, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 52383]]

                Proclamation 8434 of October 6, 2009

                
German-American Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Comprising the Nation's largest ancestry group, German 
                Americans have contributed to our collective identity 
                since the first settlements were founded in the 17th 
                century. Essential to the growth of America, these 
                farmers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and patriots gave 
                their strength, determination, and in some 
                circumstances, their lives, so we all may experience a 
                brighter tomorrow. It is in this spirit that German 
                Americans continue to enrich our national character, 
                sharing their proud heritage with new generations from 
                every background. Today, we celebrate German Americans 
                for their remarkable role in our Nation's development.

                Our citizens of German descent excel in every 
                discipline and open our minds to the expanses of human 
                possibility. When we drive across a suspension bridge, 
                listen to music played on a Steinway piano, or send a 
                child to kindergarten, their unique traditions and 
                customs surround us. German Americans have influenced 
                our Nation in myriad ways with their industry, culture, 
                and engagement in public life.

                Germany and its people have also been active 
                participants in our Nation's history. This year, we 
                celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Federal Republic 
                of Germany, and the 20th anniversary of the fall of the 
                Berlin Wall. These milestones reinforce the German 
                people's dedication to democratic ideals, and we honor 
                the bonds that tie our two nations together.

                America is a stronger Nation because of those families 
                who have established longstanding roots in our country, 
                as well as by those who have recently emigrated from 
                abroad. German immigrants, inhabiting every major city, 
                have given much of themselves throughout our history, 
                selflessly expanding the reach of the American Dream. 
                On this day, we celebrate and honor the past, present, 
                and future contributions of German Americans to the 
                rich and textured story of America.

                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, 2009, as 
                German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn 
                more about the history of German Americans and to 
                commemorate the many contributions they have made to 
                our Nation.

[[Page 52384]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-24675
Filed 10-9-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P