Commemoration ceremony honors 25 years of reunification

By Sgt. Daniel Cole, U.S. Army Europe Public AffairsOctober 6, 2015

German National Anthem
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A German Army band member play the German nation anthem during a ceremony held at U.S. Army Europe headquarters Oct. 5, to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the reunification of West and East Germany. The event, hosted by German Brig. Gen. Marku... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cadet Daniela Klenovits
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Daniela Klenovits, the first Bundeswehr (Germany Army) female cadet to be integrated into a U.S. Army Europe unit, speaks to approximately 100 people gathered at U.S. Army Europe headquarters Oct. 5, to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the reun... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
25 Year Commemeration
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A German soldier listens to a speech by German Brig. Gen. Markus Laubethal, USAREUR's chief of staff, Oct. 5, during a ceremony to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the reunification of West and East Germany. The event, hosted by Laubenthal, inc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany -- Approximately 100 people gathered at U.S. Army Europe headquarters to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the reunification of West and East Germany.

The event, hosted by German Brig. Gen. Markus Laubenthal, USAREUR's chief of staff, included not only Germans and Americans, but also other European nations' representatives who came to celebrate.

"The mere fact that I am able to stand here today as the first German chief of staff of U.S. Army Europe is evidence of the profound friendship between out two countries," Laubenthal said.

Laubenthal discussed the history leading up to the thawing of the Iron Curtain and the fall of the Berlin Wall, which divided Germany for decades. He also spoke on the impact this had on the partnership between U.S. and German forces, now one of the strongest alliances in the world.

"These accomplishments are a memorial to all of those who have worked for generations to make these proud goals come true," he said. "It was the friendship and the support of the United States of America that enabled this development."

Daniela Klenovits, the first Deutsches Heer (German Army) female cadet to be integrated into a U.S. Army Europe unit, also spoke about her experiences. She discussed her two months with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and what the anniversary meant to her personally.

She explained that her time training and building a special relationship with U.S. Soldiers was something that could not have been comprehended 25 years ago.

"I think this shows people can actually change if they are really willing to change," Klenovits said, speaking about the reunification. "Back then it was the people that changed [Germany]."

Additionally, Klenovits spoke about the possible future. She is confident in the abilities she has seen firsthand while serving in both armies and believes history will not repeat itself.

"No matter what is going to happen in the future we can be sure that our NATO allies will be there and that will be helping each other out."

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