Renowned diplomat Henry Kissinger, who served as Secretary of State and left a lasting impact on the position, passed away on November 29 at the age of 100 in his Kent, Connecticut residence.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Kissinger remained a figure highly regarded by conservatives even years after his departure from the political scene.
Born in Germany in 1923, Henry Kissinger’s family, of Jewish descent, sought refuge from the Nazis in 1938 when he was 15. They found sanctuary in the United States, and this early experience significantly influenced Kissinger’s life. Throughout his life, he emerged as a passionate advocate for the country that provided a safe haven for his family.
Upon completing high school, he enrolled at the City College of New York. In the pivotal year of 1943, two significant events unfolded in his life: he obtained American citizenship and was conscripted into the United States Army.
The military directed him to Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, where he pursued engineering, although this endeavor was short-lived. Subsequently, he was reappointed to the 84th Infantry Division, where he transitioned to military intelligence.
Notably, he volunteered for service in the Battle of the Bulge.
Following the war, Kissinger underwent additional training in military intelligence. In 1950, he graduated from Harvard College with a degree in political science. Subsequently, he pursued advanced studies at Harvard University, attaining both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
For nearly two decades, the diplomat lectured on international relations at Harvard before assuming the role of national security advisor to President Richard Nixon in 1969. He subsequently took on the position of Secretary of State during Nixon’s tenure.
Throughout Gerald Ford’s presidency, Kissinger retained his position as Secretary of State. Notably, he holds the unique distinction of being the sole individual to concurrently hold the roles of Secretary of State and national security adviser.
In his tenure in the federal government, Kissinger is acknowledged as one of the most influential figures globally throughout the Cold War era. His contributions played a pivotal role in concluding U.S. participation in the Vietnam War, and these diplomatic efforts earned him the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.
He is also recognized for stabilizing diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab nations. Additionally, he played a significant role in shaping relations between the United States and China, contributing to the normalization of relations with Russia.
Despite facing numerous critics, President George W. Bush, at one point, lauded him as one of America’s most accomplished and esteemed public servants. He maintained a substantial influence until his passing. Kissinger is survived by his wife, Nancy, as well as two children and five grandchildren.
