German-American Day (2009)

German-American Day

WHEREAS, German settlers first reached Virginia shores alongside John Smith at Jamestown, and German immigrants have continued to arrive in America for over 400 years contributing to all aspects of Virginian and American culture, commerce and history ; and

WHEREAS, America’s commitment to freedom and opportunity first drew German immigrants to our shores and have long inspired the tremendous contributions that German Americans have made to our heritage; and
 
WHEREAS, according to the 2000 United States Census, approximately fifteen percent of Americans can trace their ancestry back to their German roots and German-Americans continue to account for a large percentage of the Commonwealth’s population; and

WHEREAS, German-American Day affords the citizens of the Commonwealth the opportunity to reflect on the significant role German-Americans have played in the history of Virginia and the nation; and

WHEREAS, on German-American Day, all Virginians recognize that German-Americans have strengthened and sustained our founding principles, enriched our culture and added to the diversity of our Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize October 6, 2009 as GERMAN – AMERICAN DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.