Ringing the NASDAQ Stock Market Closing Bell, New York, NY
Thank you Sylvia Davy, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I feel honored and privileged to ring the NASDAQ bell – closing today’s trading session and at the same time ringing in the German-American Friendship Month.
All of us are proud to celebrate this month, especially some 42 million Americans - about 15% of this country’s population - whose ancestors came from Germany. And who for generations and in so many ways --have significantly contributed to the economic, political, social, scientific and cultural growth and success of the United States.
One of these individuals was General von Steuben, army chief of staff and trusted advisor of George Washington. Bearing his name, the annual Steuben Parade on Fifth Avenue on September 19th is the highlight of the German-American Friendship Month.
In 2009, the Federal Republic of Germany is marking her 60th anniversary as well as the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. Germans and Americans have a lot to be proud of and plenty to be grateful for.
In today’s globalized world we are facing new challenges: tackling climate change by building the Transatlantic Climate Bridge and developing renewable energy sources; establishing a regulatory framework to reduce excessive risk-taking in domestic and global financial markets; defying protectionist tendencies – as the U.S. is Germany’s most important trade- and investment partner, outside Europe - and Germany is America’s most important trade and investment partner in Europe.
Building on our common values, our trusted partnership is predestined for turning new challenges into opportunities -- and opportunities into sustainable achievements.
It is in this spirit that I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this year’s German-American Friendship Month. And I invite you to join us in the celebrations.
