[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16837]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    PROMOTING U.S.-GERMAN FRIENDSHIP

  Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Dr. Georg Schulze 
Zumkley and members of his team at the German Information Center USA 
for their dedication in promoting friendship between the United States 
and Germany. Dr. Zumkley's work to commemorate the 60th anniversary of 
the Berlin Airlift is truly appreciated.
  In the spring of 1948, Berlin was isolated within the Soviet 
occupation zone and had only 35 days' worth of food and 45 days' worth 
of coal remaining for the city. A massive American, British, and French 
airlift mounted to save the city and provide supplies necessary to 
sustain life in Berlin. Mr. President, 2008 marked the 60th anniversary 
of the Berlin Airlift, one of the largest and longest running 
humanitarian airlift operations in history.
  Dr. Zumkley's group was given the mission to commemorate the 60th 
anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, honor Airlift veterans, and tell the 
story of this great humanitarian effort. They planned and implemented 
the successful ``Friends-Always: 60 Years After the Berlin Airlift'' 
outreach program, and designed, produced and managed ``The Berlin 
Airlift--A Legacy of Friendship'' exhibit at more than 25 venues across 
the United States. It is estimated that more than 150,000 people will 
have visited the exhibit personally and learned about the legacy of the 
Berlin Airlift during its tour of the United States. Dr. Zumkley 
ensured that Airlift veterans personally received the German-American 
Friendship award as an expression of appreciation and gratitude from 
the German people. Additionally, Dr. Zumkley has worked far above and 
beyond his duties and displayed outstanding leadership qualities in the 
fulfillment of the team's mission.
  I know my fellow Senators join me in thanking Dr. Zumkley and his 
team for their endeavors to promote U.S.-German friendship and to honor 
and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

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