[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[April 29, 1992]
[Pages 667-668]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the State Dinner for President Richard von Weizsacker of 
Germany

April 29, 1992
    President and Mrs. von Weizsacker, Barbara and I are just delighted, 
we are honored to welcome you here as the first President of a united 
Federal Republic of Germany. You are known the world over as a man who 
embodies the values that have made Germany's unity and democracy a 
source of hope to the world. President von Weizsacker, throughout an era 
of division you constantly stood for unity, the unity of the German 
people, the unity of Europeans, East and West, and the unity and 
brotherhood, before God, of all mankind.
    We are also honored that Foreign Minister Genscher, who just 
announced that he is stepping down from the position he's held with such 
distinction for 18 years, is with us, together with Mrs. Genscher. Hans-
Dietrich, now, where is he? I'm looking, looking, looking. Over here. 
[Laughter] Hans-Dietrich, thank you, sir, for your fantastic service, 
for your friendship, and for all you have done for our common good. We 
are delighted that you are with us.
    To all our German friends, let me say that we rejoiced with you a 
year and a half

[[Page 668]]

ago as Germany was united once more in peace and freedom. At midnight, 
the exact moment when two countries became one, Berlin's liberty bell 
pealed triumphantly. And we were proud to share in the glory of that 
moment since the bell, a replica of our own Liberty Bell, was a gift 
from the American people offered in friendship and support.
    Mr. President, those half million people crowded around the 
Reichstag that night will always remember the words that you proclaimed 
as the bell rang, and here it is: ``We want to serve world peace in a 
united Europe.'' Americans thrilled with you at that moment, we really 
did. And German unification, which for so long seemed so far away, so 
distant, was but one of the German miracles we've seen in our lifetimes.
    There is, of course, Germany's legendary economic miracle. But I'm 
thinking of something else, your country's moral revival, of the 
patience and spirit of reconciliation that it took to create a climate 
of cooperation in a Europe burdened with bitterness.
    Just as Germany has transcended and triumphed over its past, so has 
the German-American relationship shed the burdens that were history's 
legacy. United Germany, champion of a more united Europe, now stands as 
our partner in leadership. Together, we have achieved our common goal of 
a Germany united in peace and freedom. But our partnership did not end 
with that. To the contrary, now that we are free of the dangers and 
divisions of Europe's cold war confrontation, the German-American 
partnership has really just begun.
    The world around us has changed almost beyond recognition. And we 
cannot know precisely where these revolutionary changes will take us. 
But this we do know: Our principles have not changed, for they have been 
proven right. And we are confident, for our shared values and unity of 
purpose have guided us through our past and will continue to guide us in 
our future.
    Barbara and I speak proudly for this country when we call on 
everyone here to celebrate the promise our relationship holds. It's a 
relationship that this city, led by the Kennedy Center, whose Mr. Jim 
Wolfensohn is with us tonight, is commemorating with an unprecedented 
salute to 300 years of German culture, a festival under our joint 
patronage.
    Now, in that spirit of cultural excellence, we have a present for 
you. There's a slogan in America, and it's particularly appropriate 
during a political year: If you want a friend, get a dog. [Laughter] And 
so in the spirit of enduring friendship, we'll give you the translation, 
the German translation. And I will now read it to you:

[At this point, President Bush read the German title of the translation 
of ``Millie's Book as Dictated to Barbara Bush'' which he presented to 
President von Weizsacker.]

    And may I suggest that we all raise our glasses: To unity, to 
freedom, to the new Germany. And to the long life and good health of our 
honored friend, President von Weizsacker, and his wife, Mrs. von 
Weizsacker. To your health, sir, and to the great friendship between 
Germany and the United States.

                    Note: The President spoke at 8:30 p.m. in the State 
                        Dining Room at the White House.