Berlin 2

So the airport (Berlin-Tempelhof) is no longer used as an airport but is now a huge resource for people. Cyclists, kite flyers, RC cars, walkers, runners: there was a marathon taking place. Amongst this activity there is the old fabric of the place and as it would seem with anywhere in this city there is a huge history. In truth I could have spent a lot longer here but we couldn’t get access to the main halls, another day perhaps. However by the front entrance there is a small memorial to Lucius D. Clay

Lucis D. ClayOn June 26, 1948, two days after the Soviets imposed the Berlin Blockade, Clay gave the order for the Berlin Airlift. This was an act of defiance against the Soviets, an incredible feat of logistics (at one point cargo planes landed at Tempelhof every four minutes, twenty four hours a day), a defining moment of the Cold War, and a demonstration of American support for the citizens of Berlin.

Clay is remembered as a hero for ordering and maintaining the airlift, which would ultimately last 324 days, through May 1949. He resigned his post days after the blockade was lifted.

Berlin - Templehof

Berlin - Templehof