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Alexandra Hildebrandt, President of The Check Point Charlie Museum and Francis Gary Powers, Jr. Founder of The Cold War Museum lay wreath to honor those who died at the Berlin Wall during the Cold War
April 13, 2005
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Berlin, Germany
April 13, 2005
Today at the Checkpoint Charlie Memorial Francis Gary Powers, Jr., Founder of the Cold War Museum in Washington, DC and Alexandra Hildebrandt, President of the Checkpoint Charlie Museum in Berlin laid a wreath to honor the 1,067 people who died while trying to cross from East to West Berlin over the Berlin Wall during the Cold War.
Francis Gary Powers, Jr, son of the U-2 pilot shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960 and Founder of The Cold War Museum, indicated that, "It is an honor to work with Mrs. Alexandra Hildebrandt from the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. It is important that future generations remember those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. The 1,067 crosses at Checkpoint Charlie will ensure that this important part of world history is never forgotten."
Alexandra Hildebrandt indicated that, "It is a pleasure to jointly lay the wreath of flowers at the Checkpoint Charlie Memorial with Mr. Powers as a way to honor the memory of those who lost their lives." She went on to say that, "our two organizations are leading the efforts to preserve this history so that no one ever forgets the significance of the events that shaped the Cold War."
Checkpoint Charlie was the major crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It was here in October 1961 that the Soviet Union and United States confronted each other during a two day standoff with tanks and military personnel. This event, known as the Berlin Crisis, was a defining point during the Cold War. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum helps to preserve this event and other important activities that took place in Germany during the Cold War.
Powers founded the Cold War Museum in 1996 to honor Cold War veterans and preserve Cold War history. He has been touring Cold War museums, memorials, and libraries in Germany to gain support for the Cold War Museum located at the former Nike missile base in Lorton, Virginia outside of Washington, DC. He stated, "It is important to work with other Cold War museums and institutes. I look forward to working with The Check Point Charlie Museum in our mutual effort to preserve Cold War history and honor those who fought, sacrificed, and died during this 46 year struggle."
Powers asks all governments to support their respective organizations including the memorial at Checkpoint Charlie in order that the memorial becomes a permanent site so everyone who visits Checkpoint Charlie will remember those who lost their lives during the Cold War.
Additional information on these two museums can be found online at www.coldwar.org and www.mauermuseum.de.
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