Speech #900135387

When American undergraduate colleges began expanding into universities. toward the close of the 19th century. the German university served as a model. And three of the major churches in America were founded by Germans: The Lutheran. the German Reformed. and the United Brethren. The names of outstanding Americans of German birth spread out across almost three centuries of American history. Those in the limelight of history and those in the obscurity of the masses of immigrants integrated themselves into the rhythm of the new country and did their share to help it in the struggle for national preeminence. Today. all America salutes Americans of German heritage. They are. indeed. outstanding contributors to our national way of life.