Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Memories of Aachen 2005

Closing Ceremonies Capture the Magic of Aachen CHIO

For the show jumping Grand Prix and closing ceremonies, several guests had tickets in the new stadium, the pride and joy of the Aachen organizers as they prepare for next year’s 2006 WEG. John, Janet and Jackie Paxton with Margaret Heroy and Janice LaPorte in the new Aachen Grandstand during closing ceremonies with our American flags and rider banners.

When during the closing ceremonies, the Americans did not have a white hanky, those seated around them made sure to find one for them so they could all join the crowd of 75,000 people giving the “Aachen Wave” a farewell to the nations. The Germans gave us hankies, and we gave them our American flags. There is no politics at Aachen when it comes to European perceptions of America. They were gracious and truely happy for our USA successes there, and the ultimate hosts.

Almost every American who competed at Aachen participated in the closing ceremonies, a thrill of a lifetime even for the most seasoned international competitor.

Our US Showjumping team who won the Nation’s Cup on Friday was all there, as well as Steffen Peters, Leslie Morse, and George Williams, from our dressage team who won the Bronze Medal in the team competition.