For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 3, 2003
German-American Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
German-American Day celebrates more than 300 years of German immigration to our shores, beginning with the arrival of 13 Mennonite
families from Krefeld on October 6, 1683. Seeking a new life of
freedom and opportunity, these immigrants settled in Pennsylvania and
founded Germantown near the city of Philadelphia. On this day, we
recognize the contributions of those German pioneers, and millions of
other German-American immigrants and their descendants, to the life and
culture of our great Nation.
As one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, German
Americans have greatly influenced our country in the fields of
business, government, law, science, athletics, the arts, and many
others. Henry Engelhard Steinway and his sons founded Steinway & Sons
in 1853. The 300,000th Steinway piano, the "golden grand," was
presented to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938, and is still on
display at the White House. John Augustus Roebling and his son
pioneered the development of suspension bridges and wire cable. Their
construction of the Brooklyn Bridge is a lasting landmark to their
skill, determination, and innovation. And entrepreneurs such as John
Davison Rockefeller, John Wanamaker, and Milton Snavely Hershey helped
to strengthen the American economy and inspire others to reach for the
American Dream.
In addition to their many professional achievements, German
Americans have influenced American culture. From Christmas trees to
kindergartens, the United States has adopted many German traditions and
institutions. By celebrating and sharing their customs and traditions,
German Americans help to preserve their rich heritage and enhance the
cultural diversity of our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2003, as
German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the
contributions to the liberty and prosperity of the United States of our
citizens of German descent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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