"ALL FREE MEN ARE CITIZENS OF BERLIN"

JFK STANDS STRONG IN SUPPORT OF WEST BERLIN

West Berlin (JFK+50) On June 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke in Rudolph Wilde Platz to a million citizens of West Berlin.

The President, as leader of the Free World, wanted the people of this city to know that America stood with them in the struggle against the communists.

West Berlin was completely surrounded by communist territory with a wall dividing the free western and communist eastern parts of the city.

President Kennedy said...

"All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words...Ich bin ein Berliner."

 

 

JFK Speaks in West Berlin

June 26 1963

Photo by Robert Knudsen

JFK Library Photo

"AS A FREE MAN, I TAKE PRIDE IN THE WORDS 'I AM A JELLY DONUT'"

MYTH OF JFK'S 'BERLINER' SPEECH CAME 25 YEARS AFTER THE FACT
  
West Berlin (JFK+50) On June 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke to a million West Germans in Rudolph Wilde Plaza.  The President said...

"All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner."

Because free West Berlin was completely surrounded by communist territory, President Kennedy, as leader of the Free World in the Cold War, wanted the people of the city to know that America stood with them in the struggle.

There has been a misconception on just what JFK said in the German language that day in Berlin.  Specifically, because JFK included the indefinite article "ein," the phrase implied that he was a Berliner Pfannkuchen*.

Kat Eschner argues that would NOT have been the interpretation in 1963.  The President knew exactly what he was saying and so did the West Berliners who applauded and cheered.  Eschner writes that the misconception arose 25 years after-the-fact in a Newsweek editorial which is responsible for the "urban legend."
  
*Berliner Pfannkuchen is a traditional German pastry with no center hole.  It is made from sweet yeast dough fried in fat or oil with  a marmalade or jam filling, icing, & powdered sugar.

SOURCE

"Where the Myth of JFK's 'Jelly Donut' Mistake Came From," by Kat Eschner, June 26, 2017, Smithsonian Magazine, www.smithsonianmagazine.com/ 

Berliner Pfannkuchen

Photo by Rainer Zenz

on de.wikipedia

                    

           

"I APPRECIATE MY INTERPRETER TRANSLATING MY GERMAN"

JFK PROUDLY SAYS "I AM A BERLINER" 

West Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) On June 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke in Rudolph Wilde Plaza to a million people here in West Berlin.

The President said...

"Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was 'civis Romanus sum.'  Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'

All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'"

Next to his Inaugural Address call to "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," the words spoken in Berlin "ich bin ein Berliner" may well be the best known.

After each sentence President Kennedy spoke in English, his interpreter translated in German.  The interpreter also repeated JFK's German words again in German.  So at one point, the President said with a big grin...

"I appreciate my interpreter translating my German."

SOURCES

"Ich Bin ein Berliner" Speech, June 26, 1963, "The Miller Center, www.millercenter.org/

"The Real Meaning of Ich Bin ein Berliner," by Thomas Putnam, The Atlantic, www.theatlantic.com/

JFK Speaks To West Berliners

June 26, 1963

Photo by Robert Knudsen

JFK Library Photo

THIS CITY AND COUNTRY WILL BE JOINED AS ONE

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2460

THE REUNIFICATION OF GERMANY

Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) Twenty-seven years ago today, October 3, 1990, East Germany and West Germany ended forty-five years of post World War II division by declaring the creation of a reunified country.

At midnight Berlin time, the black, red and gold flag of Germany was raised above the Brandenburg Gate.  It was a moment that President John F. Kennedy predicted when he visited the divided city in June 1963.

In his famous 'Ich Bin ein Berliner' speech, the President said...

"Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free.  When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe."

How has reunification impacted the lives of German citizens with the passage of a quarter of a century?  According to Kate Connolly of The Guardian, half of Germans today believe there are still more differences than commonalities between those who live in the East vs. those in the West.

One point is that many West Germans "have never even been to the East," and another is that of the 500 richest companies, only 21 are located in the East.   Wages are, on average, higher by a third in the West.

The one area where the East shines is in education.  Eastern German school children perform best in mathematics, science, biology, chemistry and physics.

SOURCES

"Germany reunified 25 years on:  how different are east and west really," by Kate Connolly, The Guardian, www.theguardian.com/

"John F. Kennedy, Ich bin ein Berliner Speech", June 26, 1963, American History From Revolution to Reconstruction and beyond, www.let.rug.nl/

Bundesarchiv Bild

Berlin, Germany

3 October 1990

Photo by Peer Grimm

German Federal Archives

ICH BIN EIN BERLINER

JFK+50:  Volume 6, No. 1992

JFK PROCLAIMED "I AM A BERLINER" 53 YEARS AGO TODAY

West Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) Fifty-three years ago today, June 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke in Rudolph Wilde Plaza to a million West German citizens.

The President said...

"Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was 'civis Romanus sum.'  Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'

All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'"

The Atlantic magazine argues, and JFK+50 agrees, that these last four words are, next to "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," the most famous President Kennedy every spoke.

After each sentence JFK spoke in English, his interpreter translated it into German.  Noticing the interpreter also repeated his German words again in German, the President said...

"I appreciate my interpreter translating my German."

JFK, the leader of the free world in the Cold War against the spread of communism, wanted the people of West Berlin to know that America stood with them in the struggle.

West Berlin was completely surrounded by communist territory by virtue of the agreement signed by the Allies at the end of World War II.

President Kennedy preceded his "Ich bin ein Berliner" line with these prophetic words... 

"Freedom is indivisible and when one man is enslaved, all are not free.  When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe."

The crowd waved American flags and chanted in unison...

"Ken-e-dee, Ken-e-dee!"

Thomas Putnam points out a fact which will probably come as a surprise to most readers, President Kennedy literally wrote his own Berlin speech.  He was not pleased with the text that his speechwriters had given him and even added phonetically "Ish bin ein Bearleener" to the speech "moments before taking the stage."

Mr. Putnam also tells us that those who say JFK was incorrect in putting the article "ein" in his phrase are themselves in error.  He argues that the article was properly inserted to imply the President, while not a Berliner by birth, was so in spirit.

SOURCES

"Ich Bin ein Berliner" Speech, June 26, 1963," The Miller Center, www.millercenter.org/

"The Real Meaning of Ich Bin ein Berliner," by Thomas Putnam, The Atlantic, www.theatlantic.com/

JFK Speaks To West Berliners

June 26, 1963

Photo by Robert Knudsen

JFK Library Photo

                    

           

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF UN CHARTER

UN CHARTER SIGNED 70 YEARS AGO TODAY

San Francisco, California (JFK+50) The charter of the United Nations was signed seventy years ago today, June 26, 1945, by representatives of 48 nations here in San Francisco.

The world peace organization includes a General Assembly composed of representatives from each member nation and a Security Council which is made up of representatives of China, France, Great Britain, United States and Russia.

John F. Kennedy attended the event as a reporter for the Hearst newspapers. JFK's column, "written from a GI viewpoint", includes the following statement...

"We have a long way to go before Russia will entrust her safety to any organization other than the Red Army."

SOURCE

"Kennedy and Defense: The Formative Years," 1967, www.airpower.au.af.mil/

Site of UN Charter Meeting

San Francisco, California

June 26, 1945

photo by Leonard G.

JFK'S "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER" SPEECH GIVEN 52 YEARS AGO 

West Berlin, West Germany (JFK+50) Fifty-two years ago today, June 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was welcomed here in West Berlin and spoke in Rudolph Wilde Plaza to a million West German citizens.

The President said:

"All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner."

JFK, the leader of the free world in the Cold War against the spread of communism, wanted the people of West Berlin to know that America stood with them in the struggle.

West Berlin was completely surrounded by communist territory.

JFK also said:

"There are many people in the world who really don't understand...what is the great issue between the free world and the communist world.  Let them come to Berlin."

And in the shadow of the Berlin Wall dividing the city, he said:

"Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in...."

The crowd waved American flags and chanted in unison "Ken-e-dee, Ken-e-dee!"*

JFK Speaks To West Berliners

June 26, 1963

Photo by Robert Knudsen

JFK Library Photo

                    

           
                

UN CHARTER

UN CHARTER SIGNED IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco (JFK+50) The charter of the United Nations was signed 69 years ago today, June 26, 1945, here in San Francisco by representatives of 48 nations.

The UN Charter provided for a General Assembly composed of representatives from each member nation and a Security Council which would include representatives of China, France, Great Britain, United States and Soviet Union.

John F. Kennedy, a war veteran, attended the event as a reporter for the Hearst newspapers.  His column, "Written from a GI viewpoint," included the following statement...

"We have a long way to go before Russia will entrust her safety to any organization other than the Red Army."

SOURCE

"Kennedy and Defense: The Formative Years"
     (1967) www.airpower.au.af.mil/

Site of UN Charter Meeting

San Francisco, California

June 26, 1945

photo by Leonard G.

ROSE KENNEDY HOSTS TEA FOR JACK IN BROCKTON

Brockton, Massachusetts (JFK+50) Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the wife of former Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., hosted a reception at the Walk Over Club 62 years ago today, June 26, 1952, here in Brockton in honor of her son's (Congressman John F. Kennedy) candidacy for the United States Senate.

The reception was attended by an over-flow crowd who also had the pleasure of joining the Kennedys for tea.

Following his defeat to JFK in the Senate election of 1952, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. was asked why he lost.  He replied...

"It was those damn tea parties."

Walk Over Club

Brockton, Massachusetts

www.brockton.net

                 

CONGRESS PASSES FEDERAL HIGHWAY ACT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The United States Congress approved 58 years ago today, June 26, 1956, the Federal Highway Act which when signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower would provide $30 billion for construction of 41,000 miles of interstate highways.

This will be the largest public construction program in US history.

The federal government would pay 90% of the cost of construction funded, in part, from a hike in the federal gasoline tax of 2 to 3 cents a gallon.

President Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act 3 days later.  The act is regarded as Ike's greatest domestic achievement by many historians.

Unveiling of the New Interstate Sign

JFK SPEAKS TO MILLIONS OF WEST BERLINERS

West Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy was welcomed to West Berlin 51 years ago today, June 26, 1963, as he spoke in Rudolph Wilde Plaza to a million West German citizens.

The President said:

"All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner."

JFK Speaks To West Berliners

June 26, 1963

Photo by Robert Knudsen

JFK Library Photo

                    

JFK, the leader of the free world in the Cold War against the spread of communism, wanted the people of West Berlin to know that America stood with them in the struggle.

West Berlin was completely surrounded by communist territory.

JFK also said:

"There are many people in the world who really don't understand...what is the great issue between the free world and the communist world.  Let them come to Berlin."

And in the shadow of the Berlin Wall dividing the city, he said:

"Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in...."

The crowd waved American flags and chanted in unison...

"Ken-e-dee, Ken-e-dee!"*

           

Marker at JFK Platz

Berlin, Germany

Photo by Axel Mauruszat (2008)

JFK'S "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER" SPEECH 50TH ANNIVERSARY

June 26, 2013

JFK'S "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER" SPEECH GIVEN 50 YEARS AGO TODAY

Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy was in West Berlin 50 years ago today, June 26, 1963 where he spoke to a million people crowded in Rudolph Wilde Platz*.

*Rudolph Wilde Platz, located in front of Berlin's City Hall, was renamed John F. Kennedy Platz on November 30, 1963.  A large plaque is mounted on one of the columns of the building in honor of JFK. (see pic below)

President Kennedy's address, given at the Schoneberger Rathaus, began at 12:50 p.m. local time.  JFK first paid tribute to Willy Brandt, Mayor of West Berlin and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

JFK, as the leader of the free world in the Cold War against the spread of communism, wanted the people of West Berlin* to know that his country not only recognized the strategic importance of their city but also was with them in the struggle.

*Germany was divided after WWII into 4 zones of occupation with Berlin, located within the Soviet zone, also divided into 4 zones.  Thus, the western zones of the city were completely surrounded by communist territory.

President John F. Kennedy said:

"All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner."

            JFK Speaks To West Berliners
                       June 26, 1963
             Photo by Robert Knudsen
                   JFK Library Photo
                    

Earlier in his speech, President Kennedy said...

"There are many people in the world who really don't understand...what is the great issue between the free world and the communist world.  Let them come to Berlin."

JFK continued...

"There are...a few who say that it is true that communism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress, Lass sie nach Berlin kommen. Let them come to Berlin."

And in the shadow of the Berlin Wall dividing the city, he said:

"Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in.

While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system..it is...an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and dividing a people who wished to be joined together."

The President, prior to his "Ich bin ein Berliner" line, concluded his remarks with these words...

"When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe.

When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades."

West Berliners waved American flags and chanted in unison "Ken-e-dee, Ken-e-dee!"**

**JFK's speech was broken up into short statements so that his translator could repeat his words in German.  After his 1st use of German words and following the translator's words, President Kennedy said: "I appreciate my interpreter translating my German."

           
                            Marker at JFK Platz
                             Berlin, Germany
             Photo by Axel Mauruszat (2008)

JOHNNY, I HARDLY KNEW YE VI

July 19, 2012

"JOHNNY, I HARDLY KNEW YE" VI

Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50) Today we continue our report of Chapter 12 of the book by Kenneth P. O'Donnell & David F. Powers with Joe McCarthy.  It is published by Little, Brown & Company.

The title of Chapter 12 is "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye"


Kenneth O'Donnell tells that in WEST BERLIN on June 26, 1963, JFK was "thrilled by the sight of the biggest crowds he had ever seen anywhere."


More than 1 million West Berliners were lined up 4 deep along JFK's motorcade route & were "crowding every window & rooftop."


As to JFK's speech, Kenny writes:


"The crowd was swept by a surge of pride & warmth, & deeply stirred as few such massive audiences in history have ever been moved, by Kennedy's opening & closing words:

'Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner'....All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, & therefore as a free man, I take pride in the words, 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'"


JFK himself was so pleased he would say later:


"We'll never have another day like this one."


Even so, Kenny admits that most of the speech in Berlin was "spontaneous & unprepared."


For those who believe that JFK made an error in the phrase 'Ich bin ein Berliner', Kenny writes, without mentioning the criticisms, that it was actually National Security adviser McGeorge Bundy who gave JFK the line in German.


Also for those who felt JFK risked compromising the proposed Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with his speech in West Berlin, Kenny tells us that Khrushchev ignored the Berlin speech & accepted the earlier address at American University.

JFK SAYS "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER"

June 26, 1963


JFK SAYS "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER"


President John F. Kennedy was welcomed in West Berlin today as he spoke in Rudolph Wilde Plaza to a million West German citizens.


The President said:


"All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, & therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner."

            JFK Speaks To West Berliners
                       June 26, 1963
             Photo by Robert Knudsen
                   JFK Library Photo
                    


JFK, the leader of the free world in the Cold War against the spread of communism, wanted the people of West Berlin to know that America stands with them in the struggle.


West Berlin is completely surrounded by communist territory.


JFK also said:


"There are many people in the world who really don't understand...what is the great issue between the free world & the communist world.  Let them come to Berlin."


And in the shadow of the Berlin Wall dividing the city, he said:


"Freedom has many difficulties & democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in...."


The crowd waved American flags & chanted in unison "Ken-e-dee, Ken-e-dee!"*


*JFK's Berlin speech marked the high point of American prestige in the aftermath of WWII.

           
                 Marker at JFK Platz
                     Berlin, Germany
       Photo by Axel Mauruszat (2008)


June 26, 1956


CONGRESS APPROVES FEDERAL HIGHWAY ACT


The US Congress approved today the Federal Highway Act which when signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower will provide $30 billion for construction of 41,000 miles of interstate highways.


This will be the largest public construction program in US history.


The federal government will pay 90% of the cost of construction funded, in part, from a hike in the federal gasoline tax of 2 to 3 cents a gallon.*


*President Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act 3 days later.  The act is regarded as Ike's greatest domestic achievement by many historians.

        Unveiling of New Interstate Sign
                       July 29, 1993


June 26, 1956


KENNEDY-HILL INTRODUCE BILL FOR SENIORS


Senators John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts & Lister Hill of Alabama jointly introduced a bill today which proposes to provide $150 million in assistance to America's senior citizens over a 6 year period.


The bill also proposes for matching grants for projects sponsored by the states to provide assistance for the elderly.

              Senator Lister Hill

             Democrat, Alabama

                    (1894-1984)

            www.healthcarehof.org

June 26, 1955


JFK WANTS TO REVISE IMMIGRATION POLICY


Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, himself a descendant of Irish immigrants to the United States, proposed today a bill to establish a commission on immigration.


JFK's proposed commission would suggest revisions to the McCarran-Walter Immigration Act.


The commission is to be patterned after the Hoover Commission on Government Reorganization.


June 26, 1952


ROSE KENNEDY HOSTS TEA FOR SON'S SENATE CANDIDACY


Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the wife of former Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., hosted a reception at the Walk Over Club today in honor of her son's (Congressman John F. Kennedy) candidacy for the United States Senate.


The reception was attended by an over-flow crowd who also had the pleasure of joining the Kennedys for tea.

                 Walk Over Club
          Brockton, Massachusetts
               www.brockton.net
                 
June 26, 1945


UN CHARTER SIGNED IN SAN FRANCISCO


The charter of the new world organization for peace, the United Nations, was signed today by representatives of 48 nations in San Francisco.


The UN will include a General Assembly composed of representatives from each member nation & a Security Council which will include representatives of China, France, Great Britain, US & USSR.*


*JFK attends the event as a reporter for the Hearst newspapers.  His column, "written from a GI viewpoint", includes the following statement:


"We have a long way to go before Russia will entrust her safety to any organization other than the Red Army."**


**Source: "Kennedy & Defense: The Formative Years"
     (1967) www.airpower.au.af.mil/

           Site of UN Charter Meeting
            San Francisco, California
                     June 26, 1945
               photo by Leonard G.