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THE MCCORMICK FREEDOM MUSEUM COMMEMORATES THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BERLIN AIRLIFT, “FRIENDS ALWAYS”
A celebration of freedom to honor the commitment of a lasting friendship between U.S. and Germany
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WHEN:
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Tuesday, October 14
3-5 pm
By Invitation Only
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WHERE:
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Freedom Museum
445 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
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WHAT:
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Sixty years ago, U.S. Allies executed history’s largest humanitarian relief operation at that point in time. In 1948, in the aftermath of WWII, Soviets blocked all routes into West Berlin leaving more than two million citizens without food, water and other general supplies. U.S. Allies committed to the West’s democracy and freedom, sustained this region for almost a year by providing supplies that were delivered by air highway.
In remembrance of this extraordinary effort, which is celebrated under the title “Friends Always,” the McCormick Freedom Museum, the German Counsul General and the U.S. Air Force, host a commemorative ceremony to honor those Americans that went to such great lengths to help people in need. A fitting venue for this celebration, the Freedom Museum is the nation’s first museum dedicated to inspiring generations to protect, understand and value personal and global freedoms.
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PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
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3:50 pm: The German Consul General will present several American Airlift veterans with the German-American Friendship Award for their efforts in the Berlin Airlift.
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INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY:
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Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen, American pilot and hero of the Airlift, earned the nickname “Uncle Wiggly Wings” after he started Operation Little Vittles.
Operation Little Vittles:
Touched by a group of Berlin children’s gratitude for his gift of a couple sticks of gum, he promised more candy on the next trip, telling them to watch for the plane that would “wiggle” its wing once.
The next day, he dropped candy wrapped in handkerchief parachutes for the children. His kindness earned him worldwide recognition and news accounts of the deed caught the imagination of school kids across America. As a result, American youngsters began collecting candy for kids in Berlin.
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CONTACT:
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If you are interested in attending this event or for more information, please contact Abby Taylor at 312 222 3188 or via email at ATaylor@McCormickFoundation.org.
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