U.S. Africa Command rededicates Stuttgart Cold War Memorial

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command, November 9: “STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. Africa Command rededicated the refurbished VII Corps Berlin Wall Memorial as the Stuttgart Cold War Memorial during a ceremony at Kelley Barracks, Nov. 9.

  A ceremonial wreath laying at the base of an actual portion of the Berlin Wall, which is preserved on Kelley Barracks, commemorating the 37th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall was punctuated by a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules flyover.

  U.S. and German leaders, veterans and representatives of Allied organizations honored the service, sacrifice and enduring partnership of American, German and Allied forces throughout the Cold War, and shared commemorating a defining moment in the struggle for freedom.

  “The fall of the Berlin Wall happened because people refused to surrender their desire to live freely,” said Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command. “The United States, Germany and our allies remain committed to security, stability, and a Europe in which sovereign nations, not outside powers, determine their futures.”

  The Stuttgart Cold War Memorial preserves the legacy of the former VII Corps linking those who served during the Cold War with the forces and institutions that carry forward the alliance today while recognizing the broader contributions of U.S., German and Allied service members, civilians and veterans who served during four decades of Cold War tensions.

  “For VII Corps veterans, this memorial represents the soldiers, families and communities who stood watch in Europe during a consequential chapter in history,” said Mark Rado, president of the VII Corps Desert Storm Veterans Association. “We are honored to see this memorial renewed - not only to remember what our generation did, but to remind future generations that freedom requires commitment, capable forces and trusted allies.”

  The memorial’s rededication also reflects Stuttgart’s long-standing role in the U.S.-German relationship. For decades, the Stuttgart community has hosted American service members and their families while helping sustain a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values and common security interests.

  “The fall of the Berlin Wall remains one of the most powerful symbols of the triumph of freedom and unity over division,” said Florian Hassler, State Secretary for Baden-Württemberg. “Today, we honor those who made that moment possible and reaffirm the close friendship between Baden-Württemberg, the United States and our Allied partners. This friendship continues to strengthen our shared security and our common future.”

  The rededication occurred during the Department of War’s 2026 Freedom 250 year of commemoration, which recognizes the military’s contributions to winning, preserving and celebrating American independence. Nov. 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall opened to allow travel between East and West Berlin, is among the historic milestones recognized in the Department’s November observances.

  U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, works with African partners, allies and other U.S. government agencies to advance shared security interests and promote regional stability. The command’s presence in Germany reflects the enduring value of the U.S.-German partnership and the importance of capable allies working together to deter aggression and preserve peace.”