By Spc. Jerry Wilson (2SCR Public Affairs)
AMBERG, Germany (March, 15, 2009) – Members of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (2SCR) gathered alongside their brothers-in-arms from the Panzer Brigade 12 “Oberfalz” at the town Hall in Amberg Saturday to officially seal their partnership during the Panzer Brigade’s 50th anniversary celebration. As a symbol of this long planned connection, both Brig. Gen Lutz Nieman commander of the 12 and Col. James Blackburn, the commander of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment exchanged certificates of partnership which signified the close relationship of the two units as well as the two nations.
“This formal act is not only important for friendship and cooperation,” said Nieman as he presented Blackburn with the certificate, “but also an emotional desire to say thanks you.”
“Thank you to the U.S. Forces for what they have done, not just for us and Germany but for the whole free world,” he continued. “Here is to the start of an extraordinary cooperation and friendship.”
Blackburn took the opportunity to share some of the long history shared by the Panzer Brigade and 2SCR.
“The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the oldest continuous serving unit in the United States Army has a long history here in Bavaria and especially here in Amberg,” Blackburn said. “In this town hall there is a memorial remembering the services of the 3rd Squadron during the Cold War.”
“This memorial is an enduring reminder of the memories carried by former Dragoons that have served here in Amberg,” he explained, “and the residents of Amberg that provided such wonderful support for those 40 years that we served here.”
According to Blackburn the exchanging of certificates symbolizes the beginning of a deep and rich relationship between both units on a personal as well as professional level.
“This relationship will allow both units to learn from each other’s experiences in combat,” Blackburn said.
In addition to the certificate of partnership Blackburn presented Brig Gen. Nieman a set of gold spurs and an ornately carved hat rack for his Stetson.
“The spurs I just presented are a Cavalry tradition,” Blackburn explained. “It recognizes Cavalry men for their proven ability to perform with force and stability while in combat.”
The evening festivities concluded with a ceremony on the market square known as the “Great Tattoo.” The Great Tattoo was an evening of music played in torchlight and is considered the highest military ceremony of the German Forces. The event featured the 10th German Army Band and Tank Battalion 122 from Oberviechtach. The 122 is the only battalion remaining from the original brigade layout of 1959.
