On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Blockade and Airlift, we are showcasing a traveling exhibit from the Allied Museum in Berlin. And February’s Capitol Hill Art Walk will mark the opening of this month-long exhibit. Join us for a toast to German-American friendship!
The Airlift as a symbol of friendship:
In the summer of 1948, following tensions with the Western Allies and as a response to the currency reform in Germany, the Soviet Union blocked all routes to West Berlin. Two million people were cut off from access to food and raw materials. The USA decided to airlift supplies to the enclave – for over a year. The Raisin Bombers air-dropped care packages – keeping the Berliners in a steady supply of cans of corned beef, bacon, coffee, chocolate, and of course raisins. The airplanes became a symbol of the deep transatlantic friendship with a clear signal: We won’t leave you in the lurch!
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