Yesterday, a quiet holiday was celebrated in Berlin, Germany and to some degree here in the United States. Yesterday, May 12, 2009 commemorated the 60th anniversary of when the Soviet Union lifted the blockade of Berlin, thus ending the Berlin Airlift.
The Berlin Airlift has been described as the greatest humanitarian relief effort in the history of the world. Everyday for almost a year aircraft flew in to Berlin's three airports (Tegel, Gatow, & Tempelhof) carrying Food, Coal, and other life sustaining supplies to the citizens of West Berlin. In the end, the airlift carried over two million tons of supplies in approximately 270,000 flights (or sorties).
Talk about commitment. While the Soviets were trying to expand their sphere of influence and attempting to take Berlin (without firing a shot) the three other World War II allies (US, British, French) held their ground in their resolve to be in Berlin and honor the commitment to never let what happened in World War II ever happen again. When the Soviets finally let ground traffic move in and out of Berlin the Soviets knew that the Allies were a force to be reckoned with, even with being outnumbered, at times, 64 to 1. Yes, 64 Warsaw Pact Forces to every 1 US, British, or French soldier based in Berlin.
As a side note, there was one man who not only did his duty but also took that extra step. His name is Gail Halvorsen. Halvorsen was a pilot during the airlift. As he would approach Tempelhof airport he would notice children would gather to see the airplanes arrive every 90 seconds. It was on one of these flights Halvorsen tied handkerchief parachutes to candy and drop them out the window of his C-47 down to the children below. He and other pilots and airmen would later be come to be known as the Candy Bombers.
So my hat is off to each and every individual that participated in the Berlin Airlift as they set the standard for everyone that ever followed them into Berlin until the mission was accomplished and no longer were occupation forces needed in Berlin. I am proud to have served in the shadows of those that went to Berlin before me, and those that walked with me while in Berlin, and to have left my footprints for those that came after me in Berlin.
Here are some Technorati Tags:
• Dave Guerra • Berlin Airlift • Tempelhof • Tegel • Gatow • West Berlin • Candy Bombers • Gail Halvorsen • Resolve • Commitment • Perseverance • Sticking it out • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero
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