[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

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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