Reading’s America 250 observance also became a celebration of international friendship as visitors from its German sister city renewed ties built over nearly three decades.
A delegation from Reutlingen, Germany, arrived June 30 for a six-day visit that included tours of Berks County landmarks, meetings with local officials and participation in anniversary events.
The group included Lord Mayor Thomas Keck, city council members Katharina Ernst and Elisabeth Hillebrand and Sister Cities coordinator Ulrich Track.
Alderman Tony Jones, a former mayor of Reading, England, arrived later in the week and stayed through Wednesday for the county’s commemoration of the first local reading of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago.
While the itinerary showcased many city and county landmarks, Keck said the greatest impression was left by the community’s welcoming spirit.
“We were all very impressed by the warm hospitality and the outstanding program that was organized for us,” he told those gathered at City Hall for a farewell reception.
The partnership between Reading and the southwestern German city was formally established in 1998. But, Keck noted, the connection began much earlier with Friedrich List, the Reutlingen-born economist, railroad pioneer and journalist who lived in Reading from 1826 to 1830.
List edited the German-language newspaper Der Readinger Adler, predecessor of the Reading Eagle.
Keck said that shared history has evolved into nearly three decades of exchanges that continue to connect students, artists, educators and civic leaders.
These include Reading High School’s long-standing student exchange with schools in Reutlingen. That program, officials noted, predates the formal sister cities agreement.
A newer educational exchange, the Danzer Foundation Fellowship, enables Kutztown University business students to study at Reutlingen University’s ESB Business School. The most recent scholarship recipient, Guy Frick, finished his studies abroad in June, Keck noted.
Exchanges have extended beyond classrooms and include collaborative artworks, beginning with Reading’s participation in a 2019 street art festival in Reutlingen that brought together artists and students from both sister cities to create a collection of paintings celebrating one of Reading’s most familiar symbols, the pretzel.
“I hope that we can expand these exchanges between students in the future,” he said.
David W. Patti, Special Assistant to the Executive Chair at Customers Bank; Alderman Tony Jones, a former mayor of Reading, Berkshire, UK; Lord Mayor Thomas Keck of Reutlingen, Germany; and Mayor Eddie Moran of Reading pose during a farewell reception held recently for the visitors from Reading’s sister city, Reutlingen. Customers Bank was the signature sponsor of the visit. (MICHELLE LYNCH_READING EAGLE)
Keck reflected on broader challenges facing democracies around the world, saying local partnerships such as the one between Reading and Reutlingen have become increasingly important.
“I am firmly convinced that it is precisely at the local level that it is decided whether democracy works or not,” he said. “When necessary, we will work together to bridge divides.”
Jones, who first visited Reading 25 years ago and has returned regularly, took a more playful tone while reflecting on the irony of celebrating America’s independence from Great Britain.
He said that while taking part in Wyomissing’s Independence Day parade, he occasionally stopped along the route, joking with spectators: “Firstly, we forgive you. Secondly, it’s not too late to change your mind.”
His humor gave way to a more serious message.
“We’re here to celebrate independence, 250 years of independence, but as we look forward to the future, why don’t we also think about how we can celebrate and build on interdependence,” he said. “As great as the USA is, no country in this world, no country, can stand alone.”
Throughout the week, the visitors experienced Reading’s rich history while getting a look at the people, programs and institutions shaping the city’s next chapter.
They toured the Reading School District’s Innovation Academy, explored downtown landmarks and visited the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center, where they met with President and CEO Michael Toledo to learn about the city’s growing Latino community and the center’s programs.
Other stops included the Pagoda, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and the Reading Public Museum.
The visit also offered opportunities to connect through one of America’s favorite pastimes: spectator sports. The group shared dinner with members of the Reading Liederkranz while watching a World Cup soccer match and attended a Reading Fightin Phils game, where they threw out ceremonial first pitches.
Monday’s farewell reception brought together sponsors from the local business community and city, county and state officials, including Mayor Eddie Moran, Council President Donna Reed, Berks County Commissioners Christian Leinbach and Michael Rivera, and Sen. Judy Schwank.
Schwank, who has participated in exchanges with Reutlingen, said the greatest value lies not only in learning about another country’s government or economy but in building lasting relationships.
“We are one planet,” she said. “We absolutely need to work together.”