During a grand celebration of German heritage and culture, the City of Arlington received special honors for a friendship, which has spanned nearly six decades.

City leaders and special guests from Bad Königshofen, Germany shared the honors at the 47th Annual German Pioneer Ball on Saturday night. Accepting the honors were Burgermeister Thomas Helbling and Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.

The story of generosity and friendship remains unique to Texas and the world. This partnership dates back to a time when few affiliations between cities, counties, and states were forming with foreign jurisdictions after World War II.

For 58 years, Arlington has embraced this small northern Bavarian town in West Germany. This bond began in 1951 when residents and businesses in Arlington began shipping food and clothing to refugees who traveled into their small town, escaping the communist east. Arlington's contributions brought a spark of hope to a community overwhelmed with need.

Today, the promotion of peace through mutual respect and coordination continues to bond the two cities.

Saturday's German Ball also paid tribute to the 60th Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany and the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

Learn more about the success of Arlington's sister-city relationship with Bad Konigshofen, visit webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/sistercity.