So fing alles an …

 

Already in 1948 first ideas to establish a German-American clubs in casting were developed. Target a group of German women in Giessen was shortly after the 2. World war, to promote cooperation and friendship between Germans and Americans by such an association. About senior American officials, they found a group of American women, which was the same idea at heart. The name "The Bridge" seemed most appropriate, to express the ideas and goals of the group. It was realized, that much time and patience would be required, to create a viable organization.

After two years of intense preparation and many discussions it was time. At the 13. March 1950 was the first official meeting in the house of the Wilhelmstrasse 20, "founded then the seat of the" High commition for Germany "" THE BRIDGE US-American and German women than initially pure women's club.
Only 29 Years later, in 1979 Men also had access to the club. Even at the inaugural meeting it was decided, the inclusion of the club in the "Association of German-American Clubs (VDAC)“ (see www.vdac.de) apply to. That application of the bridge was part of the association in April 1950 accepted as one of the first in Germany.

In the Giessen public was "THE BRIDGE" for the first time in October 1950 known by an extraordinary action. The members had experienced, that one of poliomyelitis (Poliomyelitis) sick child had to die, because the only available space in casting iron lung was not available. By this sad event was a "Pfennigparade" (March of Dimes) concluded, the incredible sum of DM 27.000.- provided. Of this amount, three iron lungs and an electric lungs could be retrieved and made available to hospitals Giessener available. Further grants were given, to build a movement bath, for a research project, for the payment of a physiotherapist and for needy patients.
In the years 1956 to 1959 supported "THE BRIDGE" "project," Happy Summer ", a holiday program for needy children, performed by the City of Giessen in cooperation with the Workers' Welfare, the Caritas Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Money- and in-kind donations also went to the refugee camp in Giessen, Child an- and old people's homes and orphanages.

After the economic conditions in the Federal Republic had significantly improved, large-scale charity projects were set. The emphasis was now on targeted individual assistance. Local institutions were supported: The spastic center of the Workers' Welfare Giessen, the choir of the Old clubs Hölderlinweg, the Library of the American elementary school, the station Peiper for Children with Cancer, Library "Merry hospital room" and the Ronald McDonnald house, the family center for children with cancer. 1988 donates "THE BRIDGE" for the victims of the disaster in Ramstein Flugtag. While de two Gulf Wars (1990/2003) sent the club Christmas packages to American soldiers in Iraq. In the US-Garrison Giessen, the most 28. September 2007 was finally closed, one cared until the withdrawal of American families.

Today, the "bridge" traditionally supported two programs of German-American Clubs, the youth- and the student exchange program. Since the late 50s the support of the youth program of the Association, Weekend seminars and information- and cultural tours for German and American adolescents aged 14 to 18 Years. Three such seminars were also 1984, 1986 and 1991 in Giessen instead.

As part of for almost 40 Years existing student exchange program of the Association may vary 30 German and 30 American students to study for one year in the host country. Since 1991 study year as part of this program an American student in casting and one or two students from pouring into the United States. The American students in Giessen be supervised by the bridge members.

Since 1994 to 2007 supported the "bridge" the FLAG program (Families learning about Germany) the U.S. Army for newly arrived soldiers' families in Giessen. Common, of German women cooked lunch, Tour of Giessen with shopping tips and information about public facilities.

Casting was in 1999 Host city of the central annual German-American Day of the Association of VDAC. For organized by the German-American Bridge Day were among the many guests of honor also the U.S. Ambassador John C. Kornblum and the then Chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Ignaz Bubis.

1999 was carried out and the merger of the "bridge" with the Deusch-American Society in Wetzlar for German-American Club "The Bridge" Giessen-Wetzlar.

After the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on 11. September 2001 were a particular degree of assistance and support of women and children, from the 2003 always present in the Iraq mission US-GIs from casting the focus. 2003 Oktoberfest in Giessen basement theater was first celebrated. Due to the security situation, the visits to the US military equipment designed, however, more difficult. Nevertheless Oktoberfests could, Advent coffee and Thanksgiving are celebrated together with the Americans and the master table in the rooftop cafe were well attended.

At the 1. March 2008 went in our previous hangout, Do dem Café, the lights out and we had to look for a new home for the bridge. After a single meeting Braugasthof "Alt Giessen" is since April 2008 our new, good Stammtisch address, Hotel Köhler in the West conditioning 33 in casting.

Today in 2010 has "The Bridge" on 100 Members at any age. There is a diverse range of programming from cultural, political, scientific and social events (Lectures, Theaterbesuche, Hiking, Desk, Visits, Picknicks, Progressive Dinner, Adventskaffe, Thanksgiving) offered. Especially the monthly Stammtisch with topics and speakers from politics, Culture, Society and travel every first Wednesday of the month 19.30 Clock Hotel Köhler be well attended.

From February 2010 is also an American-Speech-Talk introduced to topics in the current transatlantic politics of the day and general social events.

In the years 2012 and 2013 were much success with benefit concerts under the title "We are the world" organized for the outpatient children's hospice service and the youth work of diaconal work as well as for the VDAC-student exchange program at the City Hall of Giessen. A total of 5.400 Euro will be donated.

In 2015 celebrates “THE BRIDGE” its 65. Founding anniversary.