MARCH 28, 2025 — The year 2025 marks two major milestones for the U.S. Army and the city of Ansbach: 250 years of U.S. Army service and 80 years of enduring German-American friendship.
To honor this meaningful year, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach and the city of Ansbach each host a series of events commemorating a complex and often painful history, while also celebrating the shared values and longstanding partnership between the American military community and the people of Franconia.
Since the arrival of U.S. forces in the region during the final days of World War II, Ansbach has played a key role in the Army’s presence in Europe.
Over the decades, Soldiers, civilians and family members have forged deep connections with the local community — working side-by-side, raising families and building a future together rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
“This year is a tribute to the friendships that have stood the test of time,” said Col. Aaron Southard, commander of USAG Ansbach. “It’s a chance to honor the legacy of all of our Soldiers, remember the victims of war and tyranny, and reaffirm the deep bonds between the U.S. Army and the Ansbach community.”
Throughout 2025, events will highlight the Army’s 250-year history and 80 years of German-American relations in Ansbach, offering moments for both reflection and celebration.
From remembrance ceremonies reflect and reflections on the destruction wrought by war to historical exhibits and the Army’s 250th birthday, the year 2025 acknowledges both the hardships of the past and the strength of reconciliation.
Together, the U.S. Army and the city of Ansbach invite residents, Soldiers, and visitors alike to take part in this historic celebration — a reflection of 250 years of Army legacy and 80 years of partnership, unity and friendship.
- Holocaust Commemoration St. Gumbertus Church, Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.
- Garrison Commander Reception: “80 Years of Partnerships & 250 Years of U.S. Army Von Steuben Community Center, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.
- Special Exhibition: “Bombs on Ansbach – Everyday life in 1945” Margrave Museum Ansbach, Feb. 18 – March 23
- Lecture: “Air raids on Ansbach” St. Ludwig Parish Center, Ansbach, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
- Commemoration, Wreath Laying: 80 years ago in front of the Luitpold Fountain
- Bahnhofsplatz, Feb. 22, 11:45 a.m.
- The Third Reich and the End of the War in Ansbach – City Tour Meeting point: Luitpold fountain, Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m.
- Memorial Service & Wreath Laying St. Johannis Church, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.
- Lecture & Reading: “Everyday life 80 years ago” Margrave Museum Ansbach, March 18, 7 p.m.
- Historical Film: “And now show that you are one people!” Bismarck Movie Theater, April 25, 1 p.m.
- USAREUR-AF Band “80 Years of German-American Friendship” Concert
- Onoldiasaal Conference Center Ansbach, May 5, 7 p.m.
- Laying of Stumbling Stones with Artist Gunther Deming City of Ansbach and Frankenbund Ansbach, May 28, 1 p.m.
- Army 250th Birthday Run & Cake Cutting Katterbach Kaserne, June 13, 6:30 a.m.
- Wreath Laying at Robert Limpert’s Grave Ansbach Cemetery, July 15, 5 p.m.
- Gumbertus Day and Robert Limpert’s 100th birthday St. Gumbertus and Martin-Luther-Platz, July 15, 6 p.m.
A complete list of the city of Ansbach’s 2025 events is available on the city’s website at https://go.mil/ansbach80.
By Nathan Van Schaik
USAG Ansbach Public Affairs