Celebrations Mark 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift

At the Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, German Embassy Launches FRIENDS ALWAYS campaign May 17-18, 2008

WASHINGTON, May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On May 17-18, the 2008 Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

Andrews AFB, the Department of Defense and the German Embassy partner for the Joint Service Open House 2008 to celebrate the Berlin Airlift and its legacy of friendship. Their motto for the 60th Anniversary is: “Friends Always”.

In 1948/49, the Soviets blocked the western portion of Berlin, now the capital of the united Germany, which was controlled by American, British and French forces. In response, the U.S. and her Allies took to the skies, flying in provisions for West Berlin’s over 2 million residents, an effort that grew into the Berlin Airlift.

“The Airlift is considered one of the greatest humanitarian efforts of all times. The United States and her Allies saved more than 2 million men, women and children in the blockaded city of Berlin. The Airlift created a lasting legacy of friendship between the German and the American people,” says Dr. Klaus Scharioth, German Ambassador to the U.S.

Airlift veteran Col. Gail Halvorsen, who became famous as the “Candy Bomber” when he dropped candy for children during the Airlift, will speak at the opening ceremony on Saturday, May 17th.

Performances during the JSOH 2008 will include the Navy Blue Angels, the Army’s Golden Knights and the Air Force F-22. An original C-54 "Spirit of Freedom" aircraft that participated in the Airlift and has been converted into a flying museum will be on display.

The three-day extravaganza takes place May 17th-18th. Friday, May 16 is open to Department of Defense personnel and school-sponsored children only. Admission is FREE.

The 2008 JSOH marks the launch of the German Embassy’s 2008 FRIENDS ALWAYS campaign that honors the servicemen and -women who served during the Airlift and who laid the foundation for the deep and enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Germany. Events include the JSOH, presentations at US military installations and travelling exhibitions.

More Information

For more information on the Joint Service Open House go to: www.jsoh.org.

For more information on the German Embassy’s FRIENDS ALWAYS Berlin Airlift Campaign please visit www.Germany.info/airlift.