Carrier Will Fly 28 Airlift Veterans, Wives To Berlin Air Show

The Air Force Association welcomed an announcement this week from Germany’s biggest airline, Lufthansa, stating the carrier will commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift on May 27 by flying 28 US veterans and their wives to the Berlin International Air Show (ILA 2008) for a special ceremony and celebration.

Lt. General Michael M. Dunn USAF (ret) and President of the Air Force Association suggested the commemorative flights to Lufthansa, and lauded the bravery and monumental effort of the allied aircrews who in 1948-49 preserved the lives of two million Berliners. He expressed AFA’s appreciation for Lufthansa’s efforts, and the airline's generosity.

"This 60th anniversary is a reminder of the strong ties that continue to bind Germany and the US, and Lufthansa is honored to do its part in bringing these distinguished veterans together and welcoming them in the City of Berlin as they celebrate this historic occasion," responded Thomas Kropp, Senior Vice President of Lufthansa.

"When they were called upon by their country to save Berlin, they answered the call without question," Dunn said of the Berlin Airlift pilots and crews. "They flew their unarmed C-47s and C-54s around the clock, at paper-thin intervals, and often under the most horrendous weather conditions. They did all this under the constant threat of attack. Yet they did not falter. Thirty-one of these young men laid down their lives to save the people of Berlin. These aging airmen are to be honored at this 60th Anniversary of this historic event for their unstinting service to Germany and the US. None deserve our gratitude more. They were heroes then, they are heroes now and they will remain heroes to all those who cherish freedom."

The Berlin International Air Show expects Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, US Ambassador to Germany William R. Timken, USAF vice Chief of Staff General Duncan McNabb, and the "Chocolate Bomber" Col. Gail Halverson -- among others -- to open the show with a brief event in honor of the Veterans of the Berlin Airlift.

In addition to the opening ceremony, many other airlift events are planned including daily commemorative flights of the C-47s and C-17 ("Spirit of Berlin"), Meet-the-Veterans-Sessions, band music and an invitation only reception in honor of the veteran aircrews. All show attendees are welcome to participate in these events.

FMI: www.lufthansa.com, www.afa.org