President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. welcomed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany to the White House on October 6, 2023, to mark the occasion of German-American Day. The presidents underscored the strong ties between our countries and our people, including the over 40 million Americans who claim German heritage and strengthen the diverse fabric of the United States. 

The American dream lived in the hearts of German immigrants long before the United States was founded. Since 1683, the story of German-Americans has been inextricable from the story of America: German-Americans fought in the Revolutionary War; members of the Continental Congress were known to have gathered and debated in German coffeehouses; a local German newspaper was the first to print the Declaration of Independence; and so much more. Generations after these trailblazers, Americans came to help Europe. They joined the Allies to free Europe from Nazi terror, gave Germany a new chance for freedom and prosperity with the Marshall Plan, and helped tear down the Berlin Wall. German-Americans continue to strengthen the United States’ values and culture as leaders in every sector and community. Today’s united and democratic Germany is unthinkable without the courage of Americans.

Building on our shared history, common values, and work together as NATO Allies, our partnership is essential to our efforts to address global challenges, from climate change and food insecurity to the defense of human rights and democracy. And our alliance is critical for our continuing efforts to support the people of Ukraine and their courageous defense of their country, their freedom, and their future.

On German-American Day, 340 years after German immigrants founded Germantown in Pennsylvania, President Biden and President Steinmeier celebrated the incredible legacy of millions of German-Americans and the unbreakable bonds of friendship between our two countries.

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