Berlin in Bloom: A Journey Through Memory, Meaning, and Moments
Commemorating the Past: 76 Years After the Blockade
One of the primary reasons for my trip to Berlin this spring was to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Blockade. At the official ceremony near the Berlin Airlift Memorial at Tempelhof Airport, I stood among dignitaries, veterans, and Berliners as Mayor Kai Wegner spoke. We listened to a moving performance by the children of the Gail Halvorsen School, honoring the legacy of the “Candy Bomber” and the spirit of kindness that lifted a city during its darkest days.
That same day, I joined a warm and lively Kaffeeklatsch at the Gail Halvorsen School, where old friends, new faces, and stories flowed freely. The day ended with a deeply insightful lecture by historian Manfred Görtemaker, titled “Berlin zwischen Krieg und Frieden,” which explored Berlin’s transformation from WWII to the early Cold War years.
Spies, Signals, and Spray Paint: Teufelsberg Tour
High above Berlin at Teufelsberg, I took a fascinating tour of the former U.S. Field Station, guided by a man who had once worked there during the 1980s. His insider perspective brought Cold War espionage to life, against the backdrop of radar domes now covered in colorful murals.
This site has been transformed into the world’s largest open-air street art gallery, where layers of surveillance are now replaced by bold creativity.
Family Time & Lakeside History
One sunlit afternoon, we boarded a 7-Lakes cruise from Wannsee—a peaceful ride through some of Berlin’s most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods. Among the picturesque villas and wooded shorelines, we passed places steeped in Cold War history: the Truman Villa, the Churchill Villa, the iconic Bridge of Spies, and the Sacrow Church, once located in East German territory and abandoned by its congregation during the division of the city.
It’s hard to imagine that these serene waters were once heavily guarded, where West Berliners swam carefully to avoid drifting too close to the border.
Stories That Live On
One of the most touching parts of being in Berlin is that I can walk through the city and simply ask someone older, “Do you remember?” And more often than not—they do.
My other primary reason for taking the trip to Berlin this spring was to collect stories from people who remember the Airlift. Whether recalling the end of World War II, the early years of the Airlift, or life in a divided city, these conversations are raw, honest, and unforgettable. I’m collecting many of them for my next book project: Voices of the Airlift.
Traditions in Bloom: Asparagus, Gardens & Kaffeeklatsch
Spring in Berlin isn’t complete without Spargelzeit—white asparagus season! We enjoyed plenty of it, often in good company. One of my favorite moments was a peaceful Kaffeeklatsch in Elke’s Schrebergarten, a little garden house where we’ve shared stories, cake, and laughter for years. These moments of slowing down are part of what makes Berlin feel like home.
Rotary Connections & Cultural Discoveries
While in Berlin, I also had the opportunity to attend local Rotary meetings and connect with individuals dedicated to service and community. These conversations were energizing and filled with a shared purpose.
A special cultural highlight was the exhibit “Threads of Egyptian Life” at the James-Simon-Galerie. Featuring tapestries from the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center near Cairo, these works were woven entirely from memory—no sketches, just stories from daily life in Egypt. The founder believed that true creativity comes from within, and it shows in every piece.
A City That Teaches, Every Time
Berlin is a city of contrasts—of shadows and sunshine, old pain and new beginnings. Every trip brings a new layer of understanding, a new voice, a new reason to remember. This one was no different. I return home full of stories, filled with gratitude and already planning my next visit.
