History and background

Inaugural meeting 2009 on Wiesbaden Airfield (Photo: MTK)
Inaugural meeting 2009 on Wiesbaden Airfield (Photo: MTK)

The George-Marshall Society was founded on July 7, 2009, on Wiesbaden Army Airfield. The installation has played an instrumental role in the American military presence in the Rhein-Main region and this role will expand in the near future, with Wiesbaden becoming the Headquarters of US Army Europe Command (USAREUR).

During this first meeting, representatives from a wide spectrum of the political, economic and social leadership from the Rhein-Main region, but also from the Washington area, joined together, to form this organisation.

Chairman York (left) and County Executive Gall signing the partnership documents in Hofheim, in 2006. (Photo: MTK)
Chairman York (left) and County Executive Gall signing the partnership documents in Hofheim, in 2006. (Photo: MTK)

The idea for this Society evolved from the partnership between the Main-Taunus County (Hesse) and Loudoun County (Viriginia), near the U.S. Capital of Washington D.C.. County Executive Berthold Gall (MTK) und Scott York, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors (Loudoun), culminated this partnership in signing of formal documents.

 
This relationship began as a student exchange program, and should evolved into strong economic ties, between our two regions.

 

Upon his retirement, George C. Marshall lived in Loudoun County's Leesburg, VA. His home, Dodona Manor, has become a museum and cultural exchange center, now known as the George C. Marshall International Center. Therefore, it was apparent, that a Society should be formed to underscore and honor the achievements of the architect of the Marshall plan.