The German American story began on October 6, 1683, when 13 families from Krefeld, after braving the Atlantic in search of opportunity, landed on our shores and soon founded Germantown, Pennsylvania—the first permanent German settlement in America.

In the centuries since, German Americans have farmed the fields of our heartland and powered the industries that turned our young country into the mightiest economic powerhouse in the world.  Their sons and daughters have defended American freedom in every era, serving valiantly in both World Wars and standing watch through the long struggle against communism during the Cold War.  In our own time, their descendants continue to serve in our Armed Forces, work the factories and family farms that sustain our Nation, and lead the businesses and communities that keep the American Dream alive for all of our citizens.

This spirit endures in the long-standing relationship between the United States and Germany—a relationship sustained by our mutual respect, and a shared desire for peace and prosperity.  As President, I have led a historic renewal of the NATO alliance, securing a historic commitment from our NATO allies to increase their investment in our common defense.  Since that historic summit in The Hague last year, Germany has taken bold steps toward the realization of a stronger, more balanced NATO.  The impact of this commitment will be felt beyond Europe, as billions of dollars in new investments strengthen the transatlantic defense industrial base and create thousands of high-paying jobs for American workers.

Today, we give thanks for the generations of German Americans whose labor and love of liberty helped make the United States the greatest Nation on Earth.  Their story is woven into the fabric of America, and together, we commit ourselves to building on this legacy to create an even brighter, more prosperous future for all Americans.