60th Anniversary of Nachbarschaftsheim Neukőlln
DCM John M. Koenig
Berlin, November 16, 2007.
As prepared for delivery.
Congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the Nachbarschaftsheim Neukőlln. This association was founded like many other clubs and organizations at a time in Germany when the economic, political and social systems were being re-built after the most deadly war in man’s history.
It was in those early post World War II years that the ground stone was laid for Germany’s transition from a defeated enemy to a trusted ally – thanks in large part to the efforts of General Lucius Clay. He was a strong backer of both the Berlin Airlift and the Marshall Plan, two massive initiatives that demonstrated dramatically America’s support for peace and freedom in Germany. General Clay was also a strong supporter of what you might call “street level diplomacy.” Occupying military forces became citizen-diplomats and a rich web of German-American personal ties was firmly established. Cultural links were expanded through the establishment of Amerika Haus cultural centers and clubs and associations such as the Nachbarschaftsheim Neukőlln. Today 60 years later, those ties have taken on new forms but they are still vibrant. The Amerika Haus has found successor institutions but the Embassy is still an active partner of community and exchange projects right here in Neukőlln. We work with schools, libraries and youth centers. Obviously your institution, the Nachbarschaftsheim Neukőlln, has also changed its focus over the years.
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. I don’t think it hurts to tell and re-tell the stories of this very special partnership. It is a story that young people on both sides of the Atlantic need to know. Thank you for including the Embassy in your celebration. Your invitation is a confirmation of the proud history of our partnership.
