[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 40 (Monday, October 11, 1993)]
[Pages 2010-2011]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6604--German-American Day, 1993

 October 5, 1993

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

    The makeup of the United States of America is a diverse one, a rich 
tapestry of different cultures and ethnic origins, stronger and more 
vibrant because of its variety. The German culture contributes a 
substantial piece to the American mosaic, and German-Americans have 
given much to our Nation in the arts, the sciences, the business world, 
academia, and government. It is fitting that we celebrate these 
innumerable contributions to our great Nation by marking October 6 as 
``German-American Day.''
    The first German settlers arrived in America 310 years ago--
harbingers of the more than seven million to follow. German immigrants 
have thrived in America, finding our Nation's political and economic 
culture fertile ground for securing the inalienable rights of life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for themselves and for their 
children. Today,

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citizens of German ancestry comprise the largest ethnic group in the 
United States.
    German-Americans today look with pride to a free and unified Germany 
as the living symbol of the best in their heritage. Americans look with 
satisfaction at the enduring friendship between the Federal Republic of 
Germany and the United States of America. This friendship is rooted in a 
long line of immigrants and was replanted in the ashes of the Second 
World War and nurtured through the storms of national division and Cold 
War confrontation. Warmed by the benefits of peaceful commerce and 
strengthened by the myriad personal relationships between the German and 
American peoples, the friendship has flourished.
    The United States and the Federal Republic of Germany face 
formidable challenges in the post-Cold War era, challenges that we 
approach with greater confidence because we stand together, united in 
common democratic values.
    The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 121, has designated October 
6, 1993, as ``German-American Day'' and has authorized and requested the 
President to issue a proclamation in observance of that day.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 6, 1993, as German-
American Day. I urge all Americans to learn more about the contributions 
of German immigrants to the United States in all fields of human 
endeavor and to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:57 a.m., October 6, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
7.