speeches
Commemoration of the Former Residence of General Lucius D. Clay
Ambassador William R. Timken. Jr.
Berlin
April 23, 2006
Ambassador Bouhlal, thank you for your hospitable and enthusiastic endorsement of this project to preserve the legacy of General Lucius D. Clay.
General Frank Clay, it is an honor and a privilege to make your acquaintance at this ceremony to commemorate your father. Your participation makes this ceremony very special.
Karsten Voigt, it is a pleasure to see you.
Mayor Schubert, Former Governing Mayor Stobbe [SCHTO-bah], Dr. Trotnow, we are especially appreciative of all that the city of Berlin – and especially the Allied Museum -- does to tell and re-tell the stories of a very special partnership for future generations.
When we look back at the history of the German-American partnership, General Clay was certainly one of the key people in what has been called the greatest success story in modern history. I am sure that if General Clay could be with us today, if he could see how Germany has evolved, what a vibrant democracy and economic power it has become, what an important role it plays in the transatlantic and global community, he would find even his fondest dreams exceeded by reality. Germany’s success is, of course, the result of the dedicated efforts of many Germans. But as the city and the people of Berlin recognized when Clayallee was re-named in the General’s honor -- the only time since World War II, a living individual has been honored in this way -- he very definitely had a hand in the development of this great country.
Today, we can all take inspiration from his vision and dedication to the values of democracy, peace and prosperity. This is the essence of the legacy of General Lucius D. Clay.
Thank you again, to all those who worked to commemorate that legacy with this recognition of the crucial months and years that General Clay lived and worked in Berlin in the service of transatlantic partnership.
