As part of the 60^th anniversary of the US-German cooperation at Fort Novosel, the German Friendship Crest Thursday was rededicated at Johnny Henderson Family Park.

The German Friendship Crest, which was donated to the City of Enterprise as a token of appreciation in 2014, was built in the Franconia region of Germany. The Crest and a bench were dedicated near the lake, to the left of the Wall of Freedom.

“This Friendship Crest serves a reminder of the relationships built between the citizens of Enterprise and the City of Illesheim,” Mayor William E. Cooper said. “We are proud to have a number of Germans who choose to call Enterprise home thanks to their assignments at Fort Novosel.”

The nearly three-foot-tall sculpture features many symbolic elements. The wine leaves and wine grapes represent the wine business for which the area around Illesheim is famous. The wine bottle, called the “Bocksbeutel,” displays the red and white Franconian Crest.

“The crest is detailed. Surely it took hours to craft, with valuable time and effort put into making it,” Cooper said. “The Crest is protected by this new structure, which is a symbol of our commitment to look out for one another. And finally, the vibrant colors are much like the joy your culture has brought to our community.”

The new wooden structure to hold and protect the crest was constructed by Enterprise Parks and Recreation Building Maintenance Specialist James Foster.

The ceremony also served as a farewell to the 15^th United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) German Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Heger.  Cooper presented LTC Heger with a Mayor’s coin as well as a lapel pin featuring the iconic Boll Weevil Monument.