"We spent our entire childhoods in the service of our country, and no one even knew we were there." - Pat Conroy
29 July 2006
BERLINer Morgenpost - Dominik Ehrentraut
Class Reunion in Allied Museum
Exhibition opened with graduates of the BERLIN American High School
On the premises of the Allied Museum in Clayallee in Dahlem, around 400 alumni of the BERLIN American High School (BAHS) gathered for a reunion of the special kind. Around 2000 children and youth of American military families living during the occupation in the divided city, attended the school from 1946 until the departure of the Allies from BERLIN in 1994. The military school belonged to a worldwide network of schools on U.S. military bases.
A special exhibition entitled 'BERLIN American High School 1946-1994' was opened under the theme 'Homecoming' and in the presence of Mayor/Justizsenatorin Karin Schubert (SPD) and the new U.S. Culture Attaché Peter R. Claussen. 'The initiative (for this project) came from the High School alumni, who wanted to incorporate the Museum in their reunion', said Curator of the Allied Museum, Florian Weiß. In the past, reunions have been organized only in the U.S. In BERLIN, a premiere was celebrated, reported Weiß. Year Books, photos, football jerseys, medals and other memorabilia were gathered for the exhibits that afford a view of school life during the Cold War days. Many of yesterday's visitors recognized themselves in the photos, met old classmates and recounted shared stories.
Like old friends Laura Morris and Bobby Harrel. Harrel, who was born in BERLIN and whose father worked as a diplomat in BERLIN, graduated in 1983. At BAHS he met Laura Morris, who graduated in 1979. 'For me this is a very emotional reunion, because I remember BERLIN so well', said the 45-year old, who returned to the U.S. 25 years ago.
The Allied Museum in Clayallee 135 was inaugurated on 27 June 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the BERLIN air lift. It commemorates the commitment of the Allies for BERLIN and Germany. The special exhibition is open through 24 October. Entrance is free and the exhibit is open daily between 10am and 6pm, except Wednesdays.
Translation - Laura (Newby) Siklossy '67
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