President Kennedy in Germany 1963 Part 1
Footage: Visit of President Kennedy to Germany 1963 Part 1, Bonn – Frankfurt. Images from Bonn and Frankfurt, filmed on June 23-25, 1963. President Kennedy was cheered in Bonn and Frankfurt in front of huge crowds. Film length 38:20. A license fee of 77 times 30 seconds is charged to purchase a license for the entire feature film. #190188
Historical Background
President John F. Kennedy paid a remarkable visit to Germany in June 1963. The purpose of his visit was to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to West Germany during the Cold War and to address several important issues of the day.
President Kennedy arrived in Germany on June 23, 1963, beginning his visit in Bonn. The next stop was Frankfurt where he spoke at Römerberg and Paulskirche. (film part 1)
From Wiesbaden, President Kennedy traveled to Berlin, where he made his historic appearance on June 26, 1963. He spoke at Schöneberg City Hall before a huge crowd of about 450,000 people. In his speech, which became known as the “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech, he strongly reaffirmed the United States’ support for West Berlin. Kennedy expressed his commitment to protecting the freedom of West Berliners and emphasized the importance of democratic values. (film part 2)
President Kennedy’s visit to Germany strengthened not only the morale of West Germans but also the alliance between the United States and West Germany. He illustrated the determination of the United States to support its West European allies and to stand against the Soviet Union during the tense period of the Cold War. Kennedy’s words resonated with the people of Berlin, who lived in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, which symbolized the division between East and West.