The world is mourning an exit of a legend Helmut Josef Michael Kohl, who died at the age of 87.
As a former German Chancellor, Kohl will be remembered for his immense contributions to the growth and development of Europe.
Image: Helmut Kohl
World leaders from France, Russia, the United States and across Europe paid tribute to the fallen star who they described as a “the architect of German reunification.
The man who is also seen by many as a “driving force for European integration,” died on 16 June, 2017.
His memorial ceremony was held at the European Parliament in Strasburg on Saturday.
Media reports confirm Kohl will be buried in the ancient German city of Speyer.
Ex U.S. President Bill Clinton, Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and many others said he was “a dedicated European who abhorred war.”
“Helmut Kohl gave us the chance to be involved in something bigger than ourselves, bigger than our terms in office and bigger than our fleeting careers,” Clinton said in a statement.
Kohl’s two-day memorial procession began last Saturday.
The 87-year-old was German chancellor from 1982 to 1998. He won the hearts of many, fans and critics, for his roles in the 1990 reunification of East and West Germany.
As a way of moving Europe forward, Kohl also made contributions in reconciling former enemies France and Germany.
Thousands of people in Germany lined the roads and riverbanks to honor Kohl’s passing to the afterlife.
Picture taken by Richard Ellis shows ex-US President Bill Clinton as he applauds former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl after presenting him with the Medal of Freedom at the White House April 20, 1999.
“He was the architect of the world order,” said Medvedev of the fallen hero. “In Russia, we’ll remember him as our friend — a wise and sincere person.”
“Helmut Kohl was a German patriot and a European patriot,” said Juncker, a former Luxembourg prime minister and close friend of Kohl who switched between German and French in his tribute. “We’ve lost a giant of the post-war era.”
Kohl was Germany’s longest-serving chancellor to date.
