The humanitarian evacuation of the Airlift is commemorated by a monument, Airlift Monument in Berlin Germany. Popularly known as the “Berlin Airlift Memorial,” this Outdoor Display is devoted to the Berlin Airlift of 1948 – 1949 of the Cold War period. It is now time to focus on the details of this event turning to the reasons why this monument has become so significant.

The Berlin Airlift: Background and Significance

After World War II, Germany was divided into four zones, each controlled by one of the Allied powers: the United States, Great Britain, France and the USSR. Likewise, Berlin, the capital city of Germany received four sectors, despite it being in the socialist controlled East Germany.

In June 1948, Soviet Union drove the matter with the other three Allies to a climax, by blocking all road, railroad and waterway communication to West Berlin. This was a move to surround and takes control of the entire city. Consequently, West Berlin with population of over two million people experienced acute shortage of all sorts of goods and food, coal and many other basic need items.

Therefore, in order to support West Berlin and its people the United States and Allies initiated the Berlin Airlift. Throughout the following 15 months, hundreds of military airplanes flew in food and everything else the people of the city could need in order to continue living. This entailed a major shuttle operation, day and night, to guarantee that supplies continued to stream in.

Remembering the Berlin Airlift: The Airlift Monument

Tempelhof Airport in Berlin was opened to the public at May 26, 1951 The Airlift Monument dedicated to the proper success of the Berlin Airlift and to the memories of pilots and support staffs.

However the monument is just a bronze figure of a huge Columbine / American eagle with its wings spread that and signifies freedom and the American involvement in the airlift. It grasps in its claws an oriflamme surmounted by a crowned shield that has a chain broken into three parts since liberating West Berlin from Soviet encirclement and independence.

Around the monument there are plates with the names of 39 allied airmen, perished during the operation. Such moving comments are still a powerful call of the air lift, of the sacrifices they made for all of us.

Visiting the Airlift Monument

If you plan to visit the Airlift Monument in Berlin, here are a few tips to make the most out of your experience:

Location: The Airlift Monument is located on Platz der Luftbrücke (Air Bridge Square) in Tempelhof – Berlin’s old aiport. The monument is very accessible through U-Bahn or bus You could even simply take a U drive right to the monument.

Tempelhof Airport: Tempelhof airport is now a public park and you should take your time to tour the place. Because of it is large open area and rich history, it can be interesting for a lot of people.

Guided Tours: People can decide to take a tour or employ the services of a tour guide in order to be explained about the history of the monument and information about berlin airlift.

Reflect and Pay Respects: Think about the meaning of the monument, honor the dead and those who served, and view the work done to support West Berlin through the blockade.

In Conclusion

The Airlift Monument in Berlin Germany is a symbol of the Berlin Airlift a demonstration of the ability and willingness of the Allied powers to provide in a crisis. This colossal work symbolizes solidarity, strength, and the life of the human soul. Any visit to the Airlift Monument could not only be a mark of respect for heroes who were involved in these operations but it is a unique opportunity to know the history of the airlift-operation and lessons that could be learnt from it.