Â
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 (18)
Cyve
Fantastic image and lights... Wonderfully captured.
SunriseGirl
Condolances on the loss of your nephew. This is a beautiful image with the rays of light from the chandelier giving it a Heavenly appearance
casmindo
I am so glad you were there for your family an what a serene picture
Richardphotos
holidays brings out many memories of love ones gone before ones still living. I know my sister in law will miss her husband more so next Christmas/New year
Faemike55
Very lovely image My thoughts and prayers to your cousin
giulband
Superb well taken image !!!
starship64
Really beautiful shot.
UteBigSmile
Super capture & Info dear Siggi!
jayfar
A beautiful shot and such a nice change to see a service in progress.
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
ontar1
A lovely image!
T.Rex
Thanks for posting this. I have heard much about Oberammergau and their Easter Passion play. However, I have never been there, only seen photos. I've seen the outside of the church, now, (thanks to you) I see the inside. Beautiful building. What is very nice is seeing the procession. Most photos of church interiors only show the building but never what it is used for. One thing I'm wondering - is there no choir in the church? Keep up the good work! :-)
romangirl
I am so sorry about your nephew! A beautiful capture!
junge1
@T. Rex: I took the picture on the sly, not using any flash. After all this is a house of worship and I didn't want to get in trouble. Yes, the Parish Church has a choir and an orchestra, and my nephew played cello in it. The 'Easter Passion' play you mentioned are probably the Passion Plays, which are held every ten years. They are the result of a pledge the community made in 1634, that if they were spared from the plaque they would honor the Almighty with a reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ.
flavia49
fabulous picture
debbielove
Beautiful shot Sig, excellent lighting you've captured.. Very well caught mate Rob
danapommet
An exciting moment for you and I salute you for being there for your cousin and her family!
dochtersions
I'm sorry to read about the death of your nephew, as to this, I see this picture as an intense symbol of the light of Christ, that shines and watching over all of us. So beautiful, you could make this picture, Sig. It's great you was this time with your cousin, Sig.