Grand Opening of the New U.S. Embassy Building on Pariser Platz

Celebrations of the new chancery on Pariser Platz spanned two days. On July 4, the Embassy held its traditional Independence Day reception on Pariser Platz, and on July 5 there was the Amerikafest for the general public to enjoy. 

Independence Day Reception July 4

On Friday July 4, 2008, the U.S. Embassy’s traditional Independence Day reception for invited guests was combined with the official opening of the new Chancery on Pariser Platz, in which Chancellor Angela Merkel and former President George H. W. Bush delivered keynote speeches. Former President Bush joined Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and Sue Timken for a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting. The official program started with a joint presentation of the American and German flags by a bi-national honor military guard. Airlift pilots, including Candy Bomber Col. Gail Halvorsen, took part in this special “presentation of the colors” — an important element of every Embassy 4th of July program. The Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the U.S. Air Force Jazz Band and “Stars in Concert” provided musical entertainment during the evening’s program. The highlight of the evening were Independence Day fireworks over the Brandenburg Gate.

Good locations to view the fireworks are:

• Platz der Republik
• Ebertplatz
• Potsdamer Platz
• Straße Unter den Linden
• Washingtonplatz
• Bebelplatz
• Großer Stern
• Area between Bundeskanzleramt and Hauptbahnhof
• Leipziger Platz
• Kulturforum

Berlin radio station 88.8 broadcast the firework soundtrack simultaneously to the fireworks.

Background Information

• Presidential Message, Independence Day 2008
• http://usa.usembassy.de/holidays-fourth.htm
• Fourth of July Music Reflects U.S. History and Diversity
• American History: The Road to Independence