Former US soldiers in Fulda: friendship and honors for the anniversary!

Former US soldiers in Fulda: friendship and honors for the anniversary!

In Fulda, a moving reunion of 50 former US soldiers took place recently, which hiked in the footsteps of their past in the Hessian city. This special event was organized by the 14th Cavalry Association in the USA, together with the DAFS Contact Fulda and the Blackhorse Museum. The event not only served to remember, but also to the appreciation of Winfried Jäger, the President of the DAfks, who was honored with the "Noble Patron of Armor" award.

Winfried Jäger spoke about the immense effort that flowed into the organization of the event. The participants had traveled from various states of the United States, including Alaska, Texas and California, as well as from Europe and Asia. Your journey made it possible for you to refresh old memories and to experience the connection to the region that was once your home.

celebrations and program

The reception by Fulda Mayor Dr. Heiko Wingenfeld in the city palace marked the start of this special event. Wingenfeld supported the importance of the US soldier presence in the past and the existential friendship that still exists today. After a short drink, we went straight to visit the impressive Fulda Cathedral and the Michaelskirche before the participants visited the Blackhorse Museum. A highlight was the presentation of videos that documented the history of 14th Cavalry Regiment during its stationing in Fulda.

The following day was characterized by a moving act of leaning on the flag mast on Point Alpha, followed by various speeches. The participants also learned more about the planned renovation work at the Museum of American troops in Fulda. Visiting tours led them to former US barracks in Bad Hersfeld and Bad Kissingen, and a sociable trip to the Kreuzberg gave many memories of the time.

On Saturday the exploration of the Fulda city center was on the plan, the participants visited the city palace and collected impressions in the concept department store "Karl". A special highlight was the regimental cocktail and Banquet in the Apollo Hall of the Orangery, where the Fulda member of the Bundestag Michael Brand emphasized the importance of German-American relations. A subsequent sentence also came from the Colonel (RET) Andre Hall, who worked as a translator and kept the speeches alive.

The meaning of the 14th cavalry regiment

The speeches during the celebrations reflected the long history of the 14th Cavalry Regiment, which served on the "border of freedom" against communist threats for 24 years. The post -colonial cold war saw the regiment active at one of the most critical points of the Iron Curtain for 23 years. Until the inactivation in May 1972, it was the only US unit that lasted the Second World War and lingered longer in Europe than any other combat unit.

Military history was also reflected in the joint activities that the regiment and the city of Fulda maintained. Jäger emphasized that it was not just about military tasks, but also about support in the community that the American troops had done. Special memories of activities at Christmas time were mentioned in the Rhön, like a US Jeep who drove through the villages with Santa Claus.

Winfried Jäger was honored for his many years of commitment to promoting German-American friendship with the highest civilian award of the US Cavalry. The ceremony for the awarding of this award took place during the gala evening and was accompanied by high -ranking representatives of the 14th Cavalry Association.

A film team from Berlin was present for the documentation of the event that wanted to collect valuable material for a documentary. The participants from the United States emphasized that they will never forget Fulda and the memories. They also want the city to be remembered well for the future.

The return of the US veterans to Fulda not only illustrates the gangs that exist beyond national borders, but also the deeply rooted history and the positive effects that the stay of American troops had on the region. The event was a repeated testimony for friendship that remains despite the time.