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 (17)
Richardphotos
mesmerizing monument and sad that they have never been discovered
Annie_Photography
beautiful architecture !
danapommet
Thank you Sig - I have not been there to see this yet - very sad yet so impressive. Maybe in September when we migrate south!
jayfar
A great and awe inspiring image Sig.
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
Faemike55
it is sad that some are still missing Great capture
giulband
Very well composed and expressive photo !!
Juliette.Gribnau
wonderful tribute; I love the stars reflecting in the water
ontar1
Beautiful tribute!
CavalierLady
I wasn't aware of this before... beautiful memorial and shot.
farmerC
Exellent.
flavia49
marvelous monument and tribute
jocko500
this is wonderful
starship64
Great shot and a beautiful tribute.
SunriseGirl
This is a very impressive memorial. Thanks for sharing it here.
nefertiabet
Fantastic Memorial and shot!!!
debbielove
Its a very sad thought that on all sides in the heat of the moment, in battle, a very quick burial was all that could be managed and often that was lost.. This went for all sides.. Impressive and shows that at least they have been remembered here.. Great shot. Rob P.S. Sorry you missed out on the weather at Legends this year, maybe another (?), mind you mate, on Sunday it poured! Rob