I thought this one was worth sharing here;
Never mind, the US did have a very strong representative at another commemorative event: a dinner hosted by the Springer Verlag held at its offices overlooking the former location of the Berlin Wall.
This was a serious event and the major figures of the day were there including Gorbachov and George Bush Snr. The British and Israeli ambassadors were there too. Some excellent speeches were held, although that by Bush was particularly fine.
However, his comment to the Springer Verlag organizers before leaving “Thank you for having us” struck me as superbly poignant – humble but noble: The Bild recognized the import of this comment as well and gave it due prominence in its spread. The fact that Bush was wearing a tie with little parachutes on it showed as well that he fully recognized the contribution that the US made to Berlin’s survival through the Luftbrücke.
Here is his speech, which I have translated from the German report the benefit of our American readers. They can rest assured that America’s magnificent contribution to the fall of the Berlin Wall was fully recognized in Germany’s most popular newspaper and by the public at large:
“I am very glad that I can be with Helmut Kohl and Michail Gorbachov today. One notes how quickly time has passed and how quickly our world has changed since the events of 1989.
At that time there were few people who really wanted the unification of Germany. One need only think of Francois Mitterand, the great friend of Helmut Kohl and Michail Gorbachov. He was reported to have said at the time “Re-unification? Whatever next? No! I love Germany so much – there must always be two of her”…
It has often been said that the 20th century was the bloodiest in history. All the conflicts, the bloodshed was caused by human failure. And yet, when we look at the hopeful events that occurred twenty years ago, I myself have no doubt that future generations will look back at this time with great pride.
At that time, we left behind the problems of the past by realizing the changes with common sense and peaceful means. This was due to the unbelievable efforts of my two wonderful colleagues.
Soon I will return to Texas, watch football and simply let the younger generation take control. Of course, I am interested in everything that goes on, but I am no longer in the game.
The past few days here in Berlin were a great experience for me and my wife Barbara. It is great that we could be your guests. Thank you very much. And we now lift our glasses to peace, in Germany, Europe and the world. After all, peace is the most important thing of all. God bless you!”
George Bush (Snr.) [end]
God Bless Presidents Regan and both Bush Presidents, our country's honor held up high by so many hundred's of thousands, and for an anonymous poster who translated the German news so that we know that we are indeed respected in the world, irregardless of the scum temporarily at our helm.
Thanks for the ping, boats, that was very well said.