concerned veterans for america

Berlin

On 24 June 1948, the Soviet Union blocked all ground traffic to and from West Berlin. The Western allies were angered, especially the US. President Truman took two days to consider alternatives—which most feared could include war.

On 26 June we began a massive airlift of supplies into West Berlin in what was to become one of the greatest logistical efforts in history. For the Soviets, the escapade quickly became a diplomatic embarrassment. Russia looked like an international bully that was trying to starve men, women, and children into submission. And the successful American airlift merely served to show our technological superiority. On 12 May 1949, the Soviets officially ended the blockade.

And on 26 June 1963, President Kennedy visited West Berlin, where he made his famous declaration: “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am a Berliner). There were reports that he said he was a jelly donut in his German phrase; it’s all a matter of pronunciation; the favorite snack in that city is a jelly donut pronounced bear-lean-er. I suspect that he pronounced the word properly.

Join the discussion

Further reading

blog soldier sanding in front of american flag

Movie of the Month for October

Troops, your viewing assignment for October is to watch the short film The Attendant. A whimsical, warm hearted feel-good short film, featuring...

blog soldier sanding in front of american flag

Movie of the Month for September

Troops, your viewing assignment for the month of September is to watch the Oscar winning short film The Neighbors’ Window. THE NEIGHBORS’...

blog soldier sanding in front of american flag

Movie of the Month for August

Troops, your viewing assignment for August is to watch the short film Alternative Math. A well-meaning math teacher finds herself trumped by a post...

Get Denny's Newsletter

Receive news and updates from Denny