    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8580--OCT. 6, 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

    [[Page 4713]]

    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.
    BARACK OBAMA