Honorary Consul Bernhard J. Bleise Receives the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
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Mrs. Bleise looks on proudly as Consul General Drautz presents her husband, Bernhard Jürgen Bleise, with the Cross of the Order of Merit.
(© courtesy Bernhard Jürgen Bleise)
Consul General Wolfgang Drautz presented Honorary Consul Bernhard Jürgen Bleise with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, which was bestowed on him by the German Federal President, during a ceremony held at the Denver Country Club on March 15.
Mr. Bleise was honored with the prestigious award for his dedicated service over the last ten years as Honorary Consul and for his many contributions in fostering German-American relations.
Born in Bremerhaven, Mr. Bleise studied law and started his career as an attorney in Germany before emigrating to Denver, Colorado in 1988. In 1992, he opened his own law firm, and in 2001, he was appointed German Honorary Consul for Colorado and Wyoming. In this capacity, he also serves as one of the Consulate General’s legal advisors.
Consul General Drautz lauded Mr. Bleise for being a pillar of the German community in Denver and a "godfather" to the many German clubs and their events. As Chairman of the Denver Chapter of the American Council of Germany, he has brought many high-ranking politicians, speakers and representatives to Denver to participate in the Colorado European Union Center of Excellence and the Denver World Affairs Council as well as other important institutions. Consul General Drautz also thanked him for his help in advancing German-American economic relations since Germany plays an important role as a trade and economic partner of the US and Colorado. And he acknowledged his excellent working relationship with the Mayor's and Governor’s offices as well.
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Consul General Drauz pins the Cross of the Order of Merit on Bernhard Jürgen Bleise.
(© courtesy Bernhard Jürgen Bleise)
In presenting the award to Mr. Bleise, Consul General Drautz announced, “ We are pleased that Mr. Bleise has used his standing, his connections and his skills to represent Germany and Germans in the best way possible. In doing so, he has contributed to the deepening of the German-American friendship here in Colorado. Congratulations!”
