HERBORN, Germany -- Members of 2nd Battalion,7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division participated with members of the German Army at this year's Hessian State Fair in Herborn, May 21-29 2016 in Herborn, Germany.
The Hessian State Fair or 'Hessentag' is an annual festival that showcases culture, traditions, businesses and the citizenry of this German Federal State. Along with featuring a wide array of entertainment ranging from Hollywood Vampires to traditional German folk music, this year's Hessentag includes performances by U.S. and German military bands, a giant carnival with a Ferris wheel, stages all over town with various performers, as well as recognition of deserving individuals. The festival also showed the partnership of the German and American Armies who hosted static displays and gave the opportunity for the community to meet and greet with soldiers from both countries.
Brig. Gen. Eckart Klink, Commander of the Hessen State Command, said that the Hessentag is definitely one of the highlights of the year and of great importance to demonstrating partnership and cooperation.
"It is important that the German people have the chance to meet Americans and see military equipment, but that's not the key point," Klink said. "The key point is that they get to talk to Americans, to see that these are very positive and engaged young soldiers. They can see how closely our soldiers work together making a strong symbol of strength and partnership."
Klink said that after World War II, American presence was of utmost importance in Germany during and after the Cold War and he has witnessed a diminishing presence of the US forces and resources.
"I've been in the German Armed Forces since 1975 and ever since I've had the privilege to work side-by-side with Americans and had the privilege to work with Gen. Ralston at SHAPE headquarters," Klink said. "For many years, I've had to chance to work closely with American people and military."
Klink said he was very proud of having such a wonderful opportunity to work closely together and stressed how important the German and U.S. partnership is.
Spc. Mitchell Reece, a M1 Armor Crewman assigned to 2-7 Infantry Regiment, said the festival was a great opportunity to work with allies.
"The Hessentag helps to build relations between us and our allies," Reece said. "We have a chance to learn about each other and see how the other Army operates. It's also a chance to experience something new."
Wolfgang Haus, an owner of a small LED electric company, engaged with the U.S. soldiers, asking questions about the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank. Haus said he was glad to see American presence so younger Germans would see the partnership.
"I think it's a very good [relationship]. It's necessary to show these partnerships because the young people are not familiar with NATO. They are not sure what the partnership is all about and it's good for them to see."
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