Post by 2nd92nd FA Administrator on Feb 15, 2008 20:14:15 GMT -8
USAG Giessen folds up tent
Ceremony marks official closure
By Petra Roberts
U.S. Army Garrison Giessen Public Affairs Office
A small crowd converged on U.S. Army Garrison Giessen for the last time Sept. 28 for the official garrison closure ceremony.
“Today we stand on historic ground as we close the U.S. garrison and return the facilities to our friends in the German host nation,” said Col. Ray A. Graham, the USAG Hessen commander.
The brief, bittersweet ceremony marked the end of almost 62 years of U.S. Army presence in the greater Giessen area. More than 200 host nation officials and employees, past and present, joined Graham to witness the casing of the colors and the final lowering of the American flag.
“The key to the great success of this garrison has come from the relationships among the people who lived and worked here,” Graham said. “American children were born here. Americans married Germans and their children were also born here.
“Many here today have played a major role in supporting this garrison over the past several decades,” said Graham. “For those who supported us then and now, let me say thank you. You have been gracious hosts and you took care of American Soldiers and their families during their stay.
“Your presence at today’s ceremony is evidence of your strong support, even after our troops have left Giessen,” continued Graham. “The long continuing story of German/American friendship in this area will not be forgotten. I again assure you of my appreciation and gratitude, and tell you that you honor us again today.”
Craig G. Birchard, the garrison manager, recognized the dedication and service of the many employees. Numerous former employees entered Giessen Depot as prisoners of war and were then offered jobs. Many ended up working for the Army for more than 45 years.
After the official ceremony Graham and Birchard presented American flags to the mayors of Giessen, Butzbach, Bad Nauheim and Friedberg.
Ceremony marks official closure
By Petra Roberts
U.S. Army Garrison Giessen Public Affairs Office
A small crowd converged on U.S. Army Garrison Giessen for the last time Sept. 28 for the official garrison closure ceremony.
“Today we stand on historic ground as we close the U.S. garrison and return the facilities to our friends in the German host nation,” said Col. Ray A. Graham, the USAG Hessen commander.
The brief, bittersweet ceremony marked the end of almost 62 years of U.S. Army presence in the greater Giessen area. More than 200 host nation officials and employees, past and present, joined Graham to witness the casing of the colors and the final lowering of the American flag.
“The key to the great success of this garrison has come from the relationships among the people who lived and worked here,” Graham said. “American children were born here. Americans married Germans and their children were also born here.
“Many here today have played a major role in supporting this garrison over the past several decades,” said Graham. “For those who supported us then and now, let me say thank you. You have been gracious hosts and you took care of American Soldiers and their families during their stay.
“Your presence at today’s ceremony is evidence of your strong support, even after our troops have left Giessen,” continued Graham. “The long continuing story of German/American friendship in this area will not be forgotten. I again assure you of my appreciation and gratitude, and tell you that you honor us again today.”
Craig G. Birchard, the garrison manager, recognized the dedication and service of the many employees. Numerous former employees entered Giessen Depot as prisoners of war and were then offered jobs. Many ended up working for the Army for more than 45 years.
After the official ceremony Graham and Birchard presented American flags to the mayors of Giessen, Butzbach, Bad Nauheim and Friedberg.
