Didn’t Richard von Weizsäcker help shape a nation? He served as President of Germany from 1984 to 1994. He left an indelible mark on Berlin. Richard Karl Freiherr von Weizsäcker was born in Stuttgart in 1920. His family’s diplomatic life took them across Europe. Copenhagen Berlin Oslo and Bern all became temporary homes.
In 1937 Richard von Weizsäcker completed his secondary education in Berlin. His father’s role in the Nazi regime cast a long shadow. From 1938 to 1943 his father was a state secretary. He served in the Foreign Office. From 1943 to 1945 he was ambassador to the Vatican.
Richard von Weizsäcker was conscripted into military service in 1938. He participated in campaigns against Poland and the Soviet Union. He was wounded and captured. Before war’s end he returned to Germany. He witnessed the German surrender in Lindau.
After the war Richard von Weizsäcker studied law and history. He defended his father at the Nuremberg trials. His father was convicted and sentenced to seven years. Richard earned his doctorate in law in 1954. He joined the CDU.
Richard von Weizsäcker’s career included roles at Waldthausen Bank. He also worked at Boehringer a chemical company. In 1966 he became a lawyer in Berlin. From 1964 to 1970 he presided over the German Evangelical Church Assembly. He held this position again from 1979 to 1981.
From 1969 to 1981 Richard von Weizsäcker was a member of the German Bundestag. He served as deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. He later became vice president. As chairman of the policy commission he significantly shaped the CDU’s direction.
In 1979 Richard von Weizsäcker ran for office in Berlin. The CDU became the strongest party. The SPD and FDP retained their parliamentary majority. They continued to govern. From 1981 to 1984 Richard von Weizsäcker served as Governing Mayor of West Berlin.
Richard von Weizsäcker’s presidency began in 1984. His tenure saw German reunification. He became the first head of state of the reunified Germany in 1990. His words on May 8 1985 reshaped German historical perspective. He declared it a day of liberation.
He championed democratic values. He advocated tolerance. He confronted Germany’s historical responsibilities. He served on international commissions. He addressed the future of the United Nations.
Richard von Weizsäcker received numerous honors. He earned honorary doctorates from prestigious universities. The Richard von Weizsäcker Professorship honors him at Johns Hopkins. The Richard von Weizsäcker Distinguished Visitorship exists at the American Academy in Berlin.
Richard von Weizsäcker died in Berlin in 2015. A state act honored him at the Berlin Cathedral. He rests at Waldfriedhof Dahlem. His life exemplified dedication. He served Germany with distinction.