Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3737

 123STA T . 3 7 17 PROCL A M AT I O N84 34 — OCT. 6, 2 0 0 9pend en c e ofth e U n i ted S t a te s of Am e r ica the t w oh u ndred and thirt y- fourth .B A R A CKO BA M A Proclam a ti o n843 4o fO cto be r 6,20 0 9German-A mer ic an D a y,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Comprisin g the N ation ’ s l argest ancestry group ,G erman Americans ha v e contri b uted to our collective identity since the first settlements were founded in the 17 th century. E ssential 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 e x perience a brighter tomorrow. I t is in this spirit that German Ameri- cans continue to enrich our national character, sharing their proud her- itage with new generations from every bac k ground. T oday, we cele- brate German Americans for their remarkable role in our Nation’s de- velopment. Our citi z ens of German descent excel in every discipline and open our minds to the expanses of human possibility. W hen we drive across a suspension bridge, listen to music played on a Steinway piano, or send a child to kindergarten, their uni q ue 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 Na- tion’s history. This year, we celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the F ed- eral Republic of Germany, and the 2 0th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. These milestones reinforce the German people’s dedica- tion to democratic ideals, and we honor the bonds that tie our two na- tions together. America is a stronger Nation because of those families who have estab- lished longstanding roots in our country, as well as by those who have recently emigrated from abroad. German immigrants, inhabiting every ma j or city, have given much of themselves throughout our history, self- lessly expanding the reach of the American D ream. On this day, we celebrate and honor the past, present, and future contributions of Ger- man Americans to the rich and textured story of America. NOW, T H EREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, P resident of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 200 9, 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 L ord two thousand nine, and of the Inde-