Furth, Germany – Henry Kissinger, a notable figure in American political history, passed away on November 29, 2023, at the age of 100. Born as Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Furth, Germany, on May 27, 1923, to a teacher, Louis Kissinger, and Paula (Stern) Kissinger, his life was a remarkable journey of influence and controversy.
According to TourismAfrica2006, Kissinger’s family changed his name to Henry when they immigrated to the United States to escape Nazi persecution. Settling in New York, he balanced his early life between schooling and working in a factory. He was the first person to hold both the roles of National Security Adviser and Secretary of State in the United States.
The Kissingers immigrated to the United States in 1938, and Henry became a U.S. citizen on June 19, 1943. His educational journey led him to Harvard University, where he earned a B.A. in 1950, an M.A. in 1952, and a Ph.D. in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1949, reaching the rank of Captain.
Kissinger’s academic career included a long tenure at Harvard University, where he was a faculty member from 1954 to 1971. He also held roles such as Associate Director of Harvard’s Center for International Affairs and consultant to various government agencies including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Council, US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and the State Department.
In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed him as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, a role he held until 1974. Kissinger played a key role in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks with the Soviet Union and in 1972, he and Nixon were named Time Magazine’s Men of the Year.
Kissinger served as Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Gerald Ford from September 23, 1973, to January 20, 1977. In 1973, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, alongside Le Duc Tho, for their efforts in negotiating the end of the Vietnam War. Le Duc Tho declined the award.
After his government service, Kissinger remained active in both public and private sectors. He opened the international consulting firm Kissinger Associates, Inc. in 1982 and published several volumes of his memoirs. His health challenges included triple coronary bypass surgery in 1982 and heart surgery in 2014.
In November 2002, President George W. Bush appointed him to lead the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9-11 Commission, though he resigned from this role shortly after due to potential conflicts of interest.
Kissinger’s life and career were marked by significant accomplishments and controversies. His influence extended well into his later years, as evidenced by his remarks during the 2021 annual Sedona Forum, where he expressed concerns about rising tensions between the United States and China.
His death marks the end of an era in American foreign policy, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to shape international relations and diplomatic discourse.