Herr Fritz Kramer
Commissioner of Landkreis Fulda

It was an impressive moment this afternoon when the memorial stone was unveiled.  Each participant remembered that American soldiers were once a part of us and each of us realized suddenly that the stationing of Americans in Fulda was an extraordinary success story.

The American Forces came to our country as victors.  It could  have happened that they would be determined to let us feel that they were the occupying forces and we were the losers.  But in fact something very much different came to pass.  The victors and the defeated became partners.  The Americans did not offend our dignity.  They stretched out their hands and became friends with us.  We came to see them not only as guests here but much more - a part of our Community.

The American soldiers have safeguarded our peace and freedom. Only with you on our side was the Federal Republic of Germany able to withstand the threat of Communism.  I shall never forget the words spoken to me by your commander at one particularly critical juncture of the Cold War.  He said “If there comes an attack from the east we will put our lives on the line to hold this ground.”  This statement was in no way theatrical.  It was clearly a declaration of determination to accept a military mission and carry it out.

The depth of the partnership between Americans and Germans also stood the test after the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Not all of our allies supported the prospect for German reunification.  Some of them had misgivings.  The United States was the nation that stood up without any reservation for the unification of our country.  Without your support it would hardly have been possible to achieve.  It has now become history and it is proof that friendship means being able to rely upon each other.

When the American forces left Fulda it was a sad time for us.  We had wished that they could remain here.  From today on two memorial stones recall the many years of friendship.  They are most certainly a significant symbol.  It is yet even more important that we always keep in our hearts what the United States has done for us.  Therefore we can say today and in the years ahead, “Thank you America.”