Selected Events 2007
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July 3, 2007.
Approx. 500 guests from North Rhine-Westphalia attended the Independence Day celebrations on July 3 at the Amerika Haus. The reception this year was also an occasion to pay tribute to the 52-year history of the Amerika Haus in Cologne and to announce the establishment of a legacy institution that will be located in the same building and serve as a state-wide transatlantic forum in the future. DCM John Koenig and CG Matt Boyse welcomed the guests and expressed their appreciation to the City of Cologne for supporting the AH for over half a century. In return, Cologne Lord Mayor Fritz Schramma and NRW Minister for European Affairs Michael Breuer emphasized the importance and success of the AH as a center of dialogue which helped to secure democracy and to promote close and friendly relations. They also bid farewell to departing Amerika Haus director Constance Colding Jones, and had generous praise for the work and dedication of the AH staff. A color guard, performances by a gospel group and a jazz band, a book presentation as well as American food and drink provided by co-sponsors made this a memorable last Fourth of July at Amerika Haus Cologne. 
from left: Consul General Matt Boyse, Lord Mayor of Cologne Fritz Schramma, Minister for European and Federal Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia Michael Breuer, Amerika Haus Director Constance Colding Jones, and Deputy Chief of Mission John Koenig at the podium. 
Consul General Matt Boyse and the color guard
