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On Jan. 13, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the dedication of its newly renovated headquarters in Washington. The ceremony celebrated the legacy of the Marshall Plan, GMF’s own historical ties to Germany, and the transatlantic relationship that grew out of the post-war assistance. Built in 1912, GMF’s headquarters housed West Germany’s initial liaison to the Marshall Plan administration and, from 1952 to 1964, served as the country’s diplomatic mission and embassy to the United States.

“By moving into this building, the German Marshall Fund deliberately followed in the tradition [of the Marshall Plan], a tradition which remains alive because the projects, the staff, and the fellows of the German Marshall Fund are constantly developing it,” Merkel said.

Speaking to members of the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, European ambassadors, and other distinguished guests, Merkel also emphasized that the values of the Marshall Plan — freedom, democracy, and securing citizens’ rights — are just as important today as they were 50 years ago.

“Good transatlantic relations between not only the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States of America, but also between the European Union and the United States... are in the vested interest of both sides,” she said. "It enables us much better to solve outstanding problems."

GMF Co-chairman Guido Goldman introduced Merkel to the audience and presented her with a replica of the European Recovery Program’s prize-winning poster, titled “All Our Colours to the Mast.” Goldman spoke about the origin of GMF, noting that the organization began in 1972 from "something unique in the history of this country — the fact that another country chose to say thank you for a major initiative, the initiative of the Marshall Plan." Following Merkel’s remarks, Marc Leland, the other co-chairman of GMF’s Board of Trustees, invited her to sign a commemorative plaque that will be displayed in the building’s lobby.