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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (22)
Faemike55
Very beautiful capture, Sig!
mbz2662
Wonderful photo.
Dreamingbee
excellent shot ! interesting !
carlx
Excellent photography!!!
emmecielle
Very interesting image! :)
bkhook
Thanks Sig... This country for some reason needs to be constantly reminded of all the men and women who have given their lives so we all can live like we do. God Bless America!
jocko500
wow never knew about this one. cool shot
Ionel
Interesting! Great capture, Sig!
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
drifterlee
Fantastic shot!
lucindawind
beautiful tribute and shot
annie5
Very interesting photo Sig!
jascorpio
Nice shot for a worthy place!!!
renecyberdoc
very fine shot siggy.
auntietk
You've sent me off yet again on a research project! That field has a fascinating history. Check this out. You not only provide interesting photographs, but raise a multitude of questions as well. Excellent post!
bazza
Very interesting photo Sig, well done!!
lyron
Excellent image!!
dbrv6
Fantastic and wonderful capture!
farmerC
Shining.
flavia49
very beautiful! great tribute!
danapommet
Very powerful capture Sig and I love the feeling of strength from the message and monument. Dana
debbielove
A well looked after and respected place... You have caught the flame well... Excellent photo Sig.. Rob