Hanau Bids Farewell to US Army

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Hanau Bids Farewell to US Army
April 24, 2008
Army News Service|by Ute Wolf

HANAU, Germany - Emotions flowed during a ceremony marking the end of six decades of an American presence in this community.

Indeed, tears glistened in the eyes of many older German guests at Hanau's official farewell to the U.S. Army April 18. During a reception at the Olof-Palme-Haus, where the first Army headquarters was located in 1945, city officials honored a partnership with the U.S. military that endured for 63 years and is now soon to end.

Hanau's Lord Mayor Claus Kaminsky emphasized the social, cultural and economic importance of the many Americans who called Hanau home temporarily.

"We are thankful and appreciative of the presence of U.S. forces - Soldiers, Family members and civilians - for the 63 years you were here in Hanau. In 1945 you reached out and built bridges, which led us from the past to the future," said Kaminsky. "Your support caused industry, trade and commerce in Hanau to bloom. We lived a great life together with you. Hanau, the city of the Grimm Brothers, wouldn't be the same without you."

City and county officials, representatives of police and fire departments, members of German-American friendship clubs and other guests came to say farewell to their American neighbors and friends, who were represented by Col. Ray Graham, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden commander; Dr. Robert Kandler, deputy to the commander; Hanau Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Fontanez; and a delegation from the Hanau community.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/hanau-bids-farewell-to-us-army.html