Today is the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. From the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union, the “Big Red One” played a significant role in insuring the security of Western Europe. From 1945 to 1955 the 1st Infantry Division remained on German soil assisting with the reconstruction and protection of the West German state. With the divisions return from Southeast Asia in 1970, it once again contributed manpower and equipment in safeguarding Western Europe by participating in NATOs REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) Exercises. With the collapse of the Soviet Unions domination of eastern Europe in the 1990s, the Berlin Wall became an artifact chronicling the tension filled history of the Cold War. In the early years of the 21st century, a portion of the wall was placed in the care of Fort Riley Museums. Under the direction of William McKale, museum director, the wall was placed on display in Victory Park, located next to division headquarters, along with the Checkpoint Charlie sign. Smaller portions of the wall reside in the 1st Inf. Div. Museum artifact collection. Today, all who visit the park and museum are reminded of the countless 1st Div. Soldiers who served in Europe those tumultuous and historic times. Big Red One veterans, do you have memories or photos from your time serving with the division in Germany? Post them below and help us honor the 25th anniversary of the Berlin Walls dismantling. (Photos by J. Parker Roberts, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs Office)
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 15:23:46 +0000
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