Airlift Memorial
We were pleased to read your May 23 editorial, “When Wings Saved Berlin.” We visited Tempelhof Airport in April with our daughter, who lives in Germany.
After 50 years, mostly only older Americans can recall this magnificent peacetime effort. The airlift was an idea of Gen. Lucius Clay, who was in charge of executing it. There is a large metal plaque with fresh flowers in his honor at the front doors to the terminal. In front of the terminal is a large garden area with a soaring sculpture with the names of those who died in crashes, to commemorate this important historical event. The airlift was significant not only to the grateful Berliners, but also to the Western Allies.
The former Soviet countries, including the former East German states, have paid little notice in their teaching of history to the Berlin Airlift. It was inspiring to see the airlift memorial. Hopefully visiting Americans will include it on their agenda when in Berlin.
DOUGLAS and CHARLOTTE BUCHANAN
La Jolla
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