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In June 1948, the Soviet Union initiated the Berlin Blockade, demanding all rail and road traffic leading into Berlin from West Germany to cease.
The blockade prevented Germans in Berlin from receiving food and supplies, leaving them hungry and powerless. In response to this communist scare tactic, the U.S. military launched the Berlin Airlift in July 1948, delivering more than 1,783,573 tons of food and supplies to Berlin over the course of 15 months. This monu-
mental event was one of many that contributed to the fall of the communist control in Germany, while creating a strong bond between German and American
relations that still continues today.
To honor the legacy of the Berlin Airlift and German-American history, the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, in cooperation with the city of Wiesbaden and the state of Hessen, will host the U.S. Army Wiesbaden Berlin Airlift 60th Anniversary from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 29.
The Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Erbenheim will be open to the public for the first time since 2001. Guests are invited to view vintage and modern aircraft
displays, climb into World War II trucks and armored vehicles, strap into the
legendary C-130 Hercules airlifter, enjoy Berlin Airlift reenactments and take a ride on a helicopter flight.
The U.S. Air Force’s premier airlifter – the C-17 Globemaster III – will also make its first public Wiesbaden debut. Food and Berlin Airlift memorabilia will be for sale, including limited edition coins and mini handkerchief parachutes.
Visitors can rock and sway to the sounds of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir, the Newborn International Gospel Choir, Breitner Live Cover Band, military bands, Musik Verein Sohrem and the Armed Forces Network. Other highlights include a candy drop reenactment, military demonstrations and special programming for children.
Be sure to visit special guest Col. Gail Halverson – the original “Candy Bomber” – and other veterans of the Berlin Airlift era. Colonel Halverson became a legend in Germany and the United States by dropping more than 250,000 pieces of candy and gum to more than 100,000 children in the city of Berlin during the airlift.
Transportation to and from the airfield will be provided by shuttle bus. Visit www.wiesbaden.army.mil for details.
(Courtesy of USAG Hessen)
