Air show first to host historical Berlin Airlift photo display

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- Historical German and American relations became one of the highlights recently with the Berlin Airlift's 60th Anniversary "Friends Always" campaign making its inaugural appearance in the United States at the 2008 Wings Over Pittsburgh air show, May 10 and 11. 

"It is a great honor for Pittsburgh and the 911th to be the premiere showcase for the event in conjunction with the Air Force Reserve Command's 60th Anniversary" said Col. Gordon H. Elwell Jr., 911th Airlift Wing Commander. 

The air show was chosen by the German Embassy as the first venue for the display's year-long 15 city tour, which ends August 2009. The effort was coordinated through the dedication of many individuals at the 911th as well as Honorary Consul for the Federal Republic of Germany and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh Chair, Mr. Dave Murdoch; and Dr. Schuyler Foerster, President of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburg.
"We are thankful to the members of the 911th Airlift Wing for helping us make this happen," said Mr. Murdoch. 

The exhibition includes two aircraft (C-54 and C-47) that were instrumental in the airlift, and a 68 panel photo exhibition that documents the historical significance of the Berlin Airlift. 

"This was an official initiative of the German government to send the exhibition all around the U.S.," said Mr. Murdoch. 

"Dave Murdoch knew about the German Embassy putting together a display," said Dr. Schuyler Foerster. "Dave and I said we wanted to be a part of this - and oh by the way, we can have the display sent here since there will be an opportunity to display it at the Wings Over Pittsburgh air show," he added.
 
The Berlin Airlift began on June 26, 1948. The Soviets sealed off the western portion of Berlin controlled by Americans, British, and French forces. In response, the western allies forces took to the skies and began flying in provisions for West Berlin residents, an effort that developed into the Berlin Airlift. 

"This is where the Air Force deserves credit for one of the greatest humanitarian efforts in the United States," said Mr. Dave Murdoch. 

The U.S. Air Force provided 189,963 flights to Berliners during the airlift with 1,783,573 tons of food, fuel, and supplies flown in from June 26, 1948- May 12, 1949, which contributed to saving more than two million lives. 

"Bringing it to the air show is part of a broader effort to highlight historical German/U.S. relations and what has come about as a result of it," said Dr. Foerster. "Most of today's students were born after the Berlin Wall coming down and don't know a whole lot about it," he added. 

The anniversary of the Airlift is going to be held in conjunction with the Air Force Reserve's 60th Anniversary. 

"I think it is fantastic that the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Berlin Airlift can celebrate their history together," said Mr.Murdoch. 

The "Friends Always" campaign's first stop is Pittsburgh and it will continue on through the year, touring many areas of the nation. The tour's organizers intent is to have the display promote a stronger understanding of the historical significance that was associated with that monumental feat.