Rathaus Schöneberg is a very historic place. During the divided years, it served as the seat of government for the city of West Berlin. Most people also know it as the place where JFK made his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. Standing on the steps and looking out, it was hard for me to imagine the streets filled with people like they were on that day. But I have to admit, it's neat to revisit history in this way and I got a few chills thinking about the events that took place here. If you'd like to read or see Kennedy's speech in full click here. Otherwise you can find more signs at Signs, Signs.
A real slice of history!
ReplyDeleteShame he dies so young
ReplyDeleteYes. I often wonder if the course of the U.S. would have been different if he hadn't been assassinated. Like would Americans have universal healthcare and other social programs like other developed nations?
DeleteUseful to visit places where great events have taken place.
ReplyDeleteI was young, but I do remember JFK's speech ... inspirational. Yes, the history in Berlin must be fascinating to partake of.
ReplyDeleteBTW, what would constitute a "typical" German breakfast these days?
what a great piece of history!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing this. It's nice to know that it is there. I do remember that speech.
ReplyDeleteI never understood why JFK is a such admired president. He did nothing really spectacular in international politics during his time, but brought us quite near to a 3rd world war (Kuba crisis) and he got a relevant responsibilty concerning the Berlin Wall. Germans were admiring America so his speech claiming
ReplyDelete"Ich bin Berliner" was a perfect diplomatic joke.
Ich bin ein Berliner sorry
ReplyDeletenice to see history commemorated.
ReplyDeleteThis will be a special place for ever.
ReplyDeleteRevisiting history!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit awesome standing in a spot where historical moments occurred Hal. BTW how are the renovations going.. all fini?
ReplyDeleteQuite a place of history!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Hal!
ReplyDeleteNice to have put this sign here
ReplyDeleteThe sixties... Special years in Berlin (well everywhere I guess but really specific there...)
ReplyDeletevery historical.
ReplyDeleteMy SIGNS, SIGNS
Yes indeed history, an amazing city..
ReplyDeleteOne of the most famous speeches of all time! It would give me chills to be there too.
ReplyDeleteTo respond to Sara Miller, Kennedy was admired because he incited inspiration, hope, and engagement in a post WWII world that begun to settle into disengagement.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay! You said it better than I could.
DeleteNice.
ReplyDelete(the corner with all the signs is in downtown Barrie)
the world missing JFK
ReplyDeleteI wonder how different the world would be now if Kennedy had lived to ripe old age. He certainly was an inspiration to many.
ReplyDeleteJFK's speech is well-remembered by us who were alive then. I like that he is remembered in Berlin.
ReplyDeleteThe dialog between "Sara Miller" and Kay is interesting. I lived through those days and my impression has always been that JFK's greatest accomplishments were intangibles like inspiration and the appeal of his youth. But, in terms of actual accomplishments, his Administration was pretty light. It took the wily and unlikeable but politically effective LBJ to push through the agenda that JFK did not have the experience or political connections to drive through.
ReplyDelete