Walter James Blumberg US Embassy Berlin Germany

Walter James Blumberg (foreground) at the celebration of the opening of the new Embassy of the United States (background) in Berlin, Germany, July 4th, 2008. Photo by George H.W. Bush.

On Friday July 4, 2008, the U.S. Embassy's traditional Independence Day reception for invited guests was combined with the official opening of the new Chancery on Pariser Platz, in which Chancellor Angela Merkel and former President George H. W. Bush delivered keynote speeches. Former President Bush joined Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. and Sue Timken for a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting. The official program started with a joint presentation of the American and German flags by a bi-national honor military guard. Airlift pilots, including Candy Bomber Col. Gail Halvorsen, took part in this special "presentation of the colors" — an important element of every Embassy 4th of July program. The Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the U.S. Air Force Jazz Band and "Stars in Concert" provided musical entertainment during the evening's program. The highlight of the evening were Independence Day fireworks over the Brandenburg Gate.

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