U.S. Embassy moving back to location it held in German capital before the Second World War
The U.S. Embassy in Berlin moves back this week to its historic location in the center of the German capital, which it abandoned after Nazi Germany declared war on the United States in 1941.
Ambassador William Timken told reporters Monday that the embassy's return to Pariser Platz will be officially marked on the Fourth of July with speeches by Chancellor Angela Merkel and former President George H.W. Bush, followed by traditional Independence Day fireworks over the Brandenburg Gate.
The actual move, however, comes this weekend and the building will be opened Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day, Timken said.
"This is the closing of a long circle dating back to before 1940..." Timken told reporters. "This is not simply turning a key on a new facility — this is history in the making."
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Ambassador William Timken told reporters Monday that the embassy's return to Pariser Platz will be officially marked on the Fourth of July with speeches by Chancellor Angela Merkel and former President George H.W. Bush, followed by traditional Independence Day fireworks over the Brandenburg Gate.
The actual move, however, comes this weekend and the building will be opened Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day, Timken said.
"This is the closing of a long circle dating back to before 1940..." Timken told reporters. "This is not simply turning a key on a new facility — this is history in the making."