[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8731 of October 6, 2011

German-American Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As a Nation of immigrants, America has been shaped and strengthened by
the millions who have come to our shores seeking a better future. German
men and women were among the first to have made the per

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ilous journey across the Atlantic to seize the promise of the American
dream. The same spirit that guided intrepid settlers to help establish
Jamestown, Virginia, and found Germantown, Pennsylvania, is reflected in
the indelible contributions to our common culture that we celebrate
today.
Today, nearly one quarter of all Americans trace their ancestry to
Germany, and many familiar American traditions--from Christmas trees to
kindergarten--have German origins. German descendants have fundamentally
and positively shaped the course of American history. From the wheels of
labor and the fields of sport, to the halls of power and throughout our
society, generations of German Americans have helped make America what
it is today.
The bonds of friendship and trust between the United States and Germany
continue to enrich both our nations. Our partnership is more important
than ever, and it remains indispensable to global security and
prosperity. As we observe German-American Day, we celebrate how far we
have come together and remember the lasting legacy that past pioneers
have bestowed onto us.
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, 2011, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA