Congress has declared the year 1983 the "Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America." This anniversary is indeed an event which stands out in the history of GermanAmerican relations. as it underlines the historical dimension of the bonds linking our two nations. Let us seize this opportunity to remind ourselves of our common conviction and our common responsibility. German immigration into your country began with 13 families from Krefeld who set foot on American soil on October 6. 1683. in Philadelphia. They were followed in the course of the past three centuries by more than 7 million Germans who left their homeland in search of freedom. protection. from persecution and for a better life in the New World. The German immigrants have made their contribution to the development of the United States of America. as farmers. as businessmen. as scientists and artists. as soldiers. teachers. and politicians. America. which offered them a new home. became their Fatherland. Their lives mirrored the words of Carl Schurz. who. an immigrant from the Rhineland. became a U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Interior. He said. "They could render no greater honor to their former.
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