During a grand celebration of German heritage and
culture, the City of Arlington received special honors for a
friendship, which has spanned nearly six decades.
City leaders and special guests from Bad Königshofen, Germany
shared the honors at the 47th Annual German Pioneer Ball on Saturday
night. Accepting the honors were Burgermeister Thomas Helbling and
Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.
The story of generosity and friendship remains unique to Texas
and the world. This partnership dates back to a time when few
affiliations between cities, counties and states were forming with
foreign jurisdictions after World War II.
For 58 years, Arlington has embraced this small northern Bavarian
town in west Germany. This bond began in 1951 when residents and
businesses in Arlington began shipping food and clothing to refugees
who traveled into their small town, escaping the communist east.
Arlington’s contributions brought a spark of hope to a community
overwhelmed with need.
Today, the promotion of peace through mutual respect and
coordination continues to bond the two cities.
Saturday’s German Ball also paid tribute to the 60th Anniversary
of the Federal Republic of Germany and the 20th Anniversary of the
Fall of the Berlin Wall.
Learn more about success of Arlington’s sister-city relationship
with Bad Konigshofen, visit
www.arlingtontx.gov/sistercity.
