Berlin Airlift Remembered!!

You are invited! The Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Indianapolis, and Mr. Martin Baier, who coordinates the "Friends Always" travelling exhibit throughout Indiana, invite all interested Lilly Aviation Club members and the community, at large, to attend any one of a series of events to commemorate the historic Berlin Airlift. ************************************************************************************** The years 2008 and 2009 mark the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, one of the most important dates in the history of the U.S.-German friendship and arguably "..one of the greatest humanitarian actions of all times," says Klaus Scharioth, German Ambassador to the United States. ************************************************************************************** In 1948, the Soviets blocked the western portion of Berlin. In response, the U.S. and her allies took to the skies, flying in provisions for West Berlin's over 2 million residents, an effort that grew into the "Luftbrucke" - an unending conveyor belt of planes landing at Tempelhof Airport. It is almost unbelievable that the United States and her Allies were able to sustain the city of Berlin for 322 days, as they began supplying the city in June 1948 with 700 tons of supplies per day and this grew to 12,940 tons per day by April of 1949. On May 12, 1949, the Soviets finally gave in and reopened land and water routes to Berlin. The airlift missions ended in late September 1949. ************************************************************************************** August to September 2009, the "Friends Always" travelling exhibit titled, "The Berlin Airlift - A Legacy of Friendship" will be on display at the following locations: ************************************************************************************** Aug. 5 to 16: Indiana War Memorial, Indianapolis (Opening Reception 12:00pm on Aug. 5, 2009) ************************************************************************************** Aug. 21 to Sep. 5: Columbus Learning Center, Columbus, IN * (Opening Reception 12:00pm on Aug. 21, 2009) ************************************************************************************** Sep. 11 and 12: Symposium Dinner (Sep, 11) and Open House / Fly-in (Sep. 12) Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Indiana Wing * Indianapolis Executive Airport, Zionsville, IN (Symposium dinner 6:30pm on Sep. 11, 2009) ************************************************************************************** *Expect to see some period costumes, and even a swing band at KTYQ!! For more information, especially *about the latter two travelling exhibit locations and other logistics, please contact Mr. Martin Baier at: http://www.AllGermanSolutions.com . For info about the "Friends Always"/ Berlin Airlift campaign, in general, go to: http://www.Germany.info/Airlift