[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[July 11, 1994]
[Page 1241]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Arrival in Berlin, Germany
July 11, 1994

    Thank you very much. Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Diepgen, ladies and gentlemen, 
it is a great honor for me to be the first American President to visit a 
united Berlin in a united Germany. For so long this great city was the 
symbol of our quest for freedom everywhere. Today it is the symbol of 
the most fundamental fact of modern times, the unstoppable advance of 
democracy.
    Goethe wrote, ``That which you inherit from your fathers you must 
earn in order to possess.'' The German people hardly need a reminder 
that freedom can never be taken for granted. You have earned it many 
times over. But we cannot simply celebrate what has already been won. 
Now we must spread the bounties of freedom. Today's changing world must 
lead to tomorrow's prosperity. It is fitting that tomorrow's summit of 
the United States and the European Union is being held here. Berlin is 
at the center of Europe, the center of its culture, its commerce, its 
hopes, and its dream for a united and free Europe.
    For 50 years, Americans and Berliners have forged the bonds of 
friendship. Even though our American military will soon leave Berlin, 
America's ties will continue, through the rest of our troops in Germany, 
through thousands of American civilians, businessmen, students, and 
artists who will remain and who will contribute to your life and your 
prosperity.
    Mr. Mayor, on behalf of all the American people, we congratulate you 
again on your freedom and your unity, and we stand with you as we walk 
together into the future.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 11:15 p.m. at Tegel Airport. In his 
remarks, he referred to Mayor Eberthart Diepgen of Berlin, and his wife, 
Monika.