Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin 

Saturday, March 26, 2016

It was wonderful to run into Elder & Sister Hubrich in the museum! We found them because his brother noticed our missionary tags and began talking to us. He told us about his grandparents' escape from East Germany and the story began sounding familiar to us. We had heard it before!

We first met the Hubrichs when we visited the Freiberg Temple several months ago where they are are serving as the project managers. They will be released in September after the temple begins operations.

I know they have some exceptional stories to share when they return home to Utah (if anyone is interested in booking them for firesides)!

This is a place steeped in history!

The American Soldier is facing the East. 

This sign was replicated on magnets, postcards and other souvenirs.

I was surprised and disappointed that it is not run by the US military.

The men are not even Americans but clown around having a great time with the tourists. They charged 3 euros per person to take pictures.

 The Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

These two pictures were drawn by 6 year olds depicting life on both sides of the wall.

The thoughts that came to me as I was viewing the museum: Even though these people were suppressed to the point of suffocation, there is no possible way to extinguish the agency of the human spirit.

One of the signs: "Escape is the mother of invention."

Displayed were the actual items used by people who escaped from East Berlin. 

One person got out by laying in both of these suitcases.

This is a zip line.

Their creativity was impressive and showed their desperation!

And the brave people who assisted in the escapes:

These were the successes; we didn't see the failures.

Eventually, permits to travel across the border were given out but in order to insure their return to the East, families were forbidden to travel together. 

Christoph, 5-6 years old and his father, a medical consultant at Potsdam Hospital, were driven through Checkpoint Charlie by a friend by hiding under the hood of a car. They were instructed to not respond if they heard voices or knocking on the car. After 30 minutes, they were able to climb out safely in the West. 

The plan was to get Christoph's mother and his brother out the following week, but the attempt had to be abandoned. They were not able to be reunited until 1978. Thirty years later the family stood before a gathering of onlookers at the Wall Museum and, for the first time, recounted the story of their escape.

And the one we all know because of the Disney film, "Night Crossing" which was being shown in a small theater in the museum. 

September 16, 1979 - Can you imagine eight people plus fuel in this "basket?

Here's the actual balloon! It was the biggest hot-air balloon built to that date in Europe.

The sewing machine used to sew the balloon was foot operated for the first balloon which failed. A small motor was attached to sew the 2nd balloon, which was accomplished in a hurry while officials were searching for them.

One section of the museum featured people who have fought for human rights. 

I was very touched that one whole room was devoted to honoring President Ronald Reagan! I don't think we in the USA realize that he is considered a hero here. 

A TV monitor played over and over the speech given on June 12, 1987 in front of the Brandenburg Gate when Pres. Reagan challenged the president of Russia to take the wall down! 

Reagan had let his opinion be known on several previous occasions: 1982, "I'd like to ask the Soviet leaders one question. Why is the wall there?" 1986, "I call upon those responsible for this Wall to dismantle it today." 1987, "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" 

The day before his visit to Germany in 1987, there were 50,000 people demonstrating against him being in Berlin. Reagan spoke these words against the counsel of his Advisors, because they didn't want to cause any more East/West conflict. 

Even though it still took 18 months for it to actually happen, the courage demonstrated by Pres. Reagan evidently had made an impression on Gorbachev and led to the Wall coming down.

It wasn't his goal, but earned Reagan a spot of honor in Berlin! 

Mrs. Reagan died just two weeks ago. 

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This chart lists his accomplishments, which include many inroads to improved international relationships.

Here is a replica of the plack that sat on Pres. Reagan's desk.

The American Embassy is huge!

Next Post: The Wall