NEWS RELEASE: Unveiling Ceremony for the Restoration of the German-American Friendship Garden on the National Mall
Unveiling Ceremony for the Restoration of the German-American Friendship Garden on the National Mall
The Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Germany Embassy, will host an unveiling ceremony on Friday, April 29, of the recently restored German-American Friendship Garden for key partners and supporters.
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2022
Media Contacts:
Julie Moore, Trust for the National Mall
202-297-6106, jmoore@nationalmall.org
Dr. Martin Jungius, German Embassy
202-298-8248; pr-1@wash.diplo.de
WHAT: Located on the National Mall across from the Ellipse, the German-American Friendship Garden was dedicated in 1988 by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and President Ronald Reagan to commemorate more than 300 years of German immigration to the U.S. and celebrate the friendship between the two countries. The Trust, with support from the German Embassy, Volkswagen Group of America and additional partners, is celebrating the completion of a multi-year project to rehabilitate the garden and rebuild the two fountains that flank the historic space, centrally located between the White House and the Washington Monument.
Event will Include:
Remarks: Ricklef Beutin, Deputy Chief of Mission, German Embassy, Scott Keogh, Volkswagen Group of America CEO, Jeffrey Reinbold, Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks at National Park Service, and Catherine Townsend, Trust for the National Mall President and CEO, Dereck Hogan, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of State
Ceremonial Turning on of the Restored Fountains
Music: U.S. and German National Anthems and additional music by the US Air Force Band
Tree Planting: Red Oak in the garden to celebrate the occasion and Arbor Day
The partnership among the Trust for the National Mall, Ambassador Emily Haber and the team at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Volkswagen Group of America included leadership gifts and the recruitment of additional partners that helped to expedite the project. Rebuilding the German-American Friendship Garden’s fountains was also made possible through the generosity of Volkswagen Group of America, Bayer, Haribo, Microsoft, Siemens, and many other partners.
WHEN: Ceremony, Fountain Unveiling + Tree Planting FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022, 11AM–12PM
WHERE: The German-American Friendship Garden – Constitution Ave between 15th and 17th Street, NW (across from the Ellipse and President’s Park)
RSVP: If attending, please email: hhancock@nationalmall.org
