The aftermath of war can last for years and even decades. While it is the politicians who draw the lines on maps and pass the orders that divide countries and sometimes even cities and families, it is the innocent civilians who have to bear the consequences.
And who more innocent than the children? What part did they have in their parents' war? I have read something of the hardships faced by children of different nationalities during and after World War II. Not least those of Berlin and occupied Germany.
I recently learned more about the plight of the Berliners, particularly the youngest of the divided city's inhabitants, when I came across a wonderful article by triathlontraining.
He explains that in 1947 the city faced yet another severe crisis as political disagreement led to the Soviet Union blocking the entrance of vital supplies by land into Berlin. Instead, the Western occupying forces were obliged to take to the air to deliver the food that would keep the people from starvation.
American pilots, and later the American population, got behind this effort in a way I had never heard of before. The pilots began dropping sweet treats over the beleagured city, an ongoing effort that earned them the name of Candy Bombers. This developed into a full-blown official Operation with confectioners and even US school children getting involved.
The important part about dropping the treats to the people trapped in West Berlin was that most of the children only knew the Americans as the ones that bombed and possibly killed some of their family. The effect of dropping candy was to give hope and a little joy to the most fragile people of the population; the children.
In this tribute to The Candy Bombers and the Berlin Airlift triathlontraining goes on to share a review of the book The Candy Bombers and tells us more about the man who started it all. This is no dry account, his admiration for this heart-warming piece of history at a time of so much strife shines through. He also shares with us a number of images and videos that bring this story to life.
As the holiday season approaches and we brace ourselves for all the candy, chocolate and sweets that will tempt our own children, it is worth sparing a thought for the youngsters of Berlin and how candy fell from the sky at a time when it must have seemed that hope was lost.
Squidoo Lens Reviews is a little different than most review-type sites. We set out to show you why you would want to read an article or a lens at Squidoo. It's never been our goal to write about the ones you might want to stay away from. This review is a perfect example, Nicki. You made me want to click right over, and I was not disappointed. Great lens about the Candy Bombers, and love that they also called it "Operation Little Vittles." :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mimi, in that I'm always delighted when I learn about a great lens that I might not have found on my own. Fascinating story, Nicki. Thanks for pointing it out.
ReplyDeleteSuperb review and the article was one that I probably would have missed if you had not pointed me to. Sounds like a great book! Candy Bombers and Operation Little Vittles just warms your heart, doesn't it?
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