Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, known for his significant role in guiding American foreign policy during the Vietnam War, passed away at the age of 100 in Connecticut. Born to Jewish parents in Germany, Kissinger’s family fled Nazi dominance, settling in New York in 1938, where he later became a U.S. citizen. His illustrious career included military service in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps during World War II, followed by academic achievements at Harvard University in the 1950s.
Amidst nearly two decades as a Harvard faculty member and a consultancy role with prestigious organizations like the Department of State and the National Security Council, Kissinger served as National Security Advisor and subsequently as the 56th Secretary of State under Nixon and Ford. Renowned for his diplomatic acumen, he notably contributed to easing tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, brokering crucial agreements such as the SALT 1 Treaty. Despite a ceasefire in Vietnam for which he earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, the war concluded two years later with the fall of Saigon.
Post-government service, Kissinger founded Kissinger Associates, an international consulting firm, while receiving accolades such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Medal of Liberty. Former President George W. Bush expressed gratitude for Kissinger’s invaluable guidance on foreign affairs, highlighting the loss of a remarkable voice in global diplomacy and underscoring the cherished friendship between them.
