BERLIN, July 4 /PRNewswire/ — Former US President George H. W. Bush
received the American Academy in Berlin’s 2008 Henry A. Kissinger Award on
July 3 for his service in strengthening the transatlantic community.
The American Academy in Berlin honored former US President George H.W.
Bush with its 2008 Henry A. Kissinger Award. President Bush’s commitment to
partnership and dialogue laid the foundation for two decades of peaceful and
effective cooperation within Europe and across the Atlantic. President Bush
“has contributed to the elevation of our society not only by his actions but
by the quality of his personality,” Dr. Kissinger said presenting the award.
“No one outside Germany did more to assist the country during the critical
period when the Wall fell and unification became a possibility.”
“When the Berlin Wall fell, President Bush immediately saw the
opportunity and joined Chancellor Kohl to support German unification in the
fastest process possible,” Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, the American
Academy’s Chairman, said in his introduction. “No one deserves this honor
more than President Bush.”
Accepting the award, President Bush thanked Henry A. Kissinger, the
American Academy in Berlin, and the 350 gathered guests. He was very
“touched” and “pleased to be back in the city I love.” Special guests at
Thursday night’s ceremony included US Ambassador William Timken, former
Federal President of Germany Richard von Weizsacker, former German Foreign
Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit, and Deputy
Secretary of the US Department of Treasury Robert Kimmit.
The Henry A. Kissinger Prize is annually bestowed upon an internationally
renowned American or European in honor of his or her outstanding service to
the transatlantic relationship. The 2007 inaugural recipient was former
German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. The award is conferred in the spirit of
Henry A. Kissinger’s initiatives for a stronger transatlantic relationship
during and after the Cold War.
The American Academy in Berlin was established in 1994 to encourage
international understanding by building on the unique cultural, social, and
political link between Berlin and the United States. Toward this end, the
Academy offers residential fellowships at its Wannsee residence to American
scholars, writers, and artists in pursuit of their studies while encouraging
participation in the vibrant cultural life offered by Berlin. The Academy
also brings leading American statesmen, practitioners, and journalists to
Berlin for visits, to facilitate a robust exchange of views with Berlin,
Germany, and the United States.
The American Academy thanks Special Envoy C. Boyden Gray
for generously underwriting this evening.
For press inquiries please contact
Malte Mau, press coordinator
Tel +49(0)30-80483-404
Email mm@americanacademy.de
Further information also on http://www.americanacademy.de
SOURCE American Academy in Berlin