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). 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 official name change from the US Diplomacy Center to the National Museum of American Diplomacy. Secretary Pompeo also touched upon his personal experiences in a divided Germany, having patrolled the East German border in Mödlareuth, Germany from 1986 to October 1989 with 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, Legacy,” the award recognizes the recipient’s service to the United States, leadership in advancing American diplomacy, and legacy for future generations.

As the 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.

Throughout the evening, guests had the special opportunity to view NMAD’s new exhibit for the Signature Segment of the Berlin Wall. This 13-foot-high piece of the Wall was signed by 27 leaders who played a significant role in advancing German reunification. Guests were also the first to view the Diplomacy is Our Mission preview exhibition. Diplomacy is Our Mission focuses on diplomacy’s role in promoting the national security, economic prosperity, and global leadership of the United States. Created in partnership with Smithsonian Exhibits, Diplomacy is Our Mission uses storytelling, artifacts, and multimedia features to bring the untold stories of American diplomacy to life, from before our nation’s birth to today.

You can watch our Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall online thanks to CSPAN-3 American History TV. Watch now.

The Commemoration took place as part of the Wunderbar Together “Celebration of American German Relations.” The “Celebration of American German Relations” is part of the Deutschlandjahr USA 2018/2019 – Year of German-American Friendship. This initiative is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, implemented by the Goethe-Institut, and supported by The Federation of German Industries (BDI).

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

• Chevron Corporation
• General Dynamics Information Technology
• The Honorable and Mrs. William C. Harrop

Gold Sponsors

• Charles Black, Jr. and Curtis Grisham
• Goldman Sachs

Silver Sponsors

• Burt & Associates
• Brandon Jundt