On November 9th, 1989, after 28 years of division between East and West Germany, residents of East Berlin began to peacefully cross into West Berlin. Serving as a global symbol of physical and ideological division, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked a significant moment in diplomatic history—a moment that was achieved as a result of diplomatic efforts by world leaders and diplomats.
Marking 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Diplomacy Center Foundation hosted a commemoration at the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) on November 5th. The Commemoration featured a special conversation with the Honorable James A. Baker, III, whose tenure as the 61st US Secretary of State (1989-1992) coincided with the fall of the Wall, the end of the Cold War, and the reunification of Germany. In conversation with David M. Rubenstein, Secretary Baker touched upon his support of NMAD, his legacy as US secretary of state, and the state of American diplomacy today.
The Commemoration began with remarks from US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, who announced the US Diplomacy Center’s name change to the National Museum of American Diplomacy. He also touched upon his personal experiences in a divided Germany, having patrolled the East German border in Mödlareuth, Germany from 1986 to October 1989 in the US Army.
Her Excellency Emily M. Haber, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States, represented the voice of the German people and remarked on the historical importance of US-German relations and the impact of American diplomats in creating a unified Germany and a more prosperous Europe. She noted that “without the United States and its visionary leaders, like James Baker, we would not celebrate the fall of the wall today.”
At the end of the Commemoration, Secretary Baker was presented with the Foundation’s inaugural Excellence in Diplomacy award. The award honors an individual or group with distinguished service in support of American diplomacy. Epitomized by the motto Service, Leadership, and Legacy, the award recognizes the recipient’s service to the United States, leadership in advancing American diplomacy, and legacy for future generations.
As US secretary of state, Secretary Baker’s skillful diplomatic efforts helped lead to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War, and the unification of Germany. He helped to overcome Cold War tensions and establish a brighter future in Europe and around the world. The benefits of his diplomatic accomplishment will be felt for generations. He serves as an inspiration for all current and future diplomats.
The Foundation’s evening program from the Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall will be broadcasted on CSPAN 3’s American History TV on November 9th at 11am and 11pm.
Images
Cover Image: David M. Rubenstein interviews Secretary James A. Baker, III. Photograph by Carl Cox
Additional Images:
- View Image: Secretary James A. Baker, III views an exhibit at the National Museum of American Diplomacy. Photography by Nandor Nagy
- View Image: Secretary James A. Baker, III receives the 2019 Excellence in Diplomacy Award from the Diplomacy Center Foundation Board Chairman, Ambassador William C. Harrop, and President, Ambassador Roman Popadiuk. Photograph by Carl Cox.
- View Image: German Ambassador to the United States Emily Haber gives remarks for the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Photograph by Carl Cox.
- View Image: Guests enjoy a reception for the Commemoration. Photograph by Nandor Nagy.
About the Diplomacy Center Foundation
The Diplomacy Center Foundation is the private-sector partner to the U.S. Department of State in creating the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD)—the first museum dedicated to sharing the history, practice, and challenges of American diplomacy. We support NMAD through generous donations made by individuals, foundations, and corporations. With these contributions, we aid NMAD in sharing stories of American diplomacy, honoring the contributions of the American diplomatic community, and preserving the legacy of American diplomacy for generations to come.
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