U.S. Army Europe congratulates the German State of Hesse on its 70th Birthday

By US Army Europe public affairsSeptember 22, 2015

Hesse anniversary
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4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Volker Bouffier, the Minister President of Hesse presented Unification Manikins to Prof. Dr. Birgitta Wolff, President of Goethe-University Frankfurt, Consul General Jim Herman and to Brig. Gen. Phillip S. Jolly, Director Army Reserve Engagement Cell... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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FRANKFURT, Germany -- The Federal State of Hesse and the U.S. Army Europe share a common bond that began Sept. 19, 1945 when General Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the State of Hesse from his headquarters which is now home of the Goethe University here.

"All roads lead to Hessen. This statement is as true now as it was 70 years ago during those dark, but hopeful days following the Second World War," said Brig. Gen. Phillip S. Jolly, director, Army Reserve Engagement Cell, at the commemoration event.

The Hessian state government hosted a commemoration event at the Goethe University in Frankfurt, the former home of V Corps.

Volker Bouffier, Hessian Prime Minister thanked his American guests because "Hessen was liberated by the Americans, The Nazi dictatorship was terminated by the Americans and the rebuilding of this country would have been unthinkable without the Americans."

"We are grateful that we got the chance for a new start in Hessen and Germany," Bouffier stated "We are also grateful for the confidence and the leap of faith we received from General and later President Eisenhower 70 years ago," he added.

Proclamation Number 2 heralded a new beginning, not only for Hesse, but for Germany, for Europe and the world. It sent a strong message to the desperately struggling German population at the time, that the world would go on and was followed by actions such as the forming of the Hessian State government and the establishment of the Hessian State constitution, the Federal Republic of Germany's oldest.

"Hessen has demonstrated 70 years of welcome, respect, diversity, sharing dignity and friendship towards thousands of American Soldiers, families and civilians," said Jim Herman, Consul General "The story of Germany is not the past, it's the future," he added.

"The bond between U.S. Army Europe and the State of Hesse extended through the trying decades of the Cold War, as we stood together with you shoulder to shoulder along with other NATO Allies. We stood together not because we wanted a confrontation, but because we wanted to avoid one. And we succeeded," said Jolly, adding "today we are still standing shoulder to shoulder ensuring a Strong Europe."

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