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Friends Always - Air and Space Museum Celebrates Berlin Airlift
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- Col. USAF (ret.) Gail Halvorsen, aka the "Candy Bomber", helped kick off a year of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift with fellow Allied veterans, German leaders, and visitors at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin in spring 2008.
- (© picture-alliance/dpa)
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in cooperation with the German Embassy in Washington is hosting an exhibition of historic photographs celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, one of the greatest humanitarian actions of all time.
The Berlin Airlift - a Legacy of Friendship, which will be on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, from June 15 to July 23, has traveled to airports, military bases and museums across the United States over the past year to highlight the historic significance of and honor the heroes of the 1948/49 Berlin Airlift.
During this unprecedented postwar operation, former enemies became friends when American and Allied aircraft sustained more than 2 million Berliners with supplies after the Soviets had cut off all other access to the beleaguered city.
German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth will introduce the exhibition to visitors during an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on June 20 that kicks off the 5th annual Become a Pilot - Family Day and Aviation Display at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
Visitors will also have a chance to meet Airlift pilot Col. (ret.) USAF Gail S. Halvorsen, the famous "Candy Bomber" who first dropped chocolate bars and chewing gum attached to tiny parachutes to grateful Berlin children.
The C-54 Spirit of Freedom, an American aircraft deployed during the Airlift which now serves as a "flying museum" run by the NJ-based Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, will also be on display.
Over 60 visiting aircraft were on display at last year's Become a Pilot Family Day, which aims to educate and entertain young and old aircraft enthusiasts alike.
Location:
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
The aviation display and all activities are free, but there is a $15 fee for parking.
More Information:
Phone: 202-633-1000
