Quick Thought: Christmas From Heaven

Candy Bomber?  What?  Who?

That was my personal train of thought when I heard about the scheduled convocation speaker back in my university days.  Curious, I showed up and listened.  And I fell in love with everything about that man and his story.

During the years that followed World War II, Soviet forces attempted to push the Western powers out of West Berlin, by creating a blockade which prevented the delivery of supplies for the forces.  Consequently, it also prevented the delivery of supplies to the people of Berlin.  Undeterred, the Allied forces took on the mammoth task of supplying the forces, and the people of the city by air in what came to be known as the Berlin Airlift.

United States Air Force Colonel Gail “Hal” Halvorsen was one of the pilots who flew huge cargo planes full of rations into Berlin.  He gained the title of the “Candy Bomber” after he “went rogue” so to speak, showering war-ravaged Berlin with hanky-sized parachutes carrying candy for the children during his flight route.

Children, who were grateful to have any food at all, were giddy as they watched the sky for Halvorsen’s plane, and those of other pilots who consequently followed his lead.  Candy was certainly a luxury, one that was literally unknown for some of the young children who had been born during wartime.  It was a luxury for the servicemen as well, but they donated their personal rations to supply those earliest drops.

Halverson’s project was eventually sanctioned by the military and it spurred a national movement as US companies, families, churches, clubs, and schools sent him candy and handkerchiefs to drop to German children below.  It’s estimated that 23 tons of candy were dropped on the city during the Berlin Airlift, in addition to the 2 million tons of food, medicine, and supplies carried in by the planes to keep the people of the city alive.

Many point to Halvorsen’s selfless act as one of the most important contributions to post-war relations between the US and Germany.  He’s been given awards from both nations and at least two elementary schools in Germany bear his name.   Perhaps most importantly, he has a collection of notes from German children, thanking him, and telling him that his treats reassured them that they were not forgotten and that hope was still alive.

My favorite part of the story, though, is that it all began with one young airman standing on one side of a fence, looking through into the faces of children in need and asking, “What can I do?”  Halvorsen wanted to give something to these kids, a treat of some kind.  But all he had in his pocket was two sticks of gum.

So he gave it.

It’s a real lesson to me.  Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the perfect program, or the perfect you.  Give what you have, do what you can, and don’t be afraid to start small.

From little things come big things.

Anyone who raises, works with, or cares for small children has seen this in action.  A love of reading starts with the simple act of sharing a story.  Barriers come down with just a simple smile.  Habits and attitudes and entire days change with simple shifts in perspective and planning.  Connection and relationships come from a million daily gifts of love, respect, and service.

Magic isn’t found only in grand gestures.  It can begin with one small, heartfelt act.

So share your simple gifts.

“This is the real spirit of Christmas, to give whatever we have, no matter how small the gift.” – Christmas from Heaven, The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber

 

You can learn about Col. Gail Halvorsen yourself, and share his story of compassion and kindness with the children you love and teach, with these resources:

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, featuring Alfie Boe and Tom Brokaw. This contains an amazing stage presentation of the Candy Bomber’s story, narrated by Tom Brokaw.  Absolutely worth watching!   Viewing information from PBS says rebroadcasts of this performance from last year will be on Thursday, December 12, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET and Tuesday, December 24, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET on PBS stations.  Check your local listings to be sure — then set that DVR! (Promotional preview from PBS below.) *** See update at bottom of post! ***

Christmas from Heaven, The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber {Picture book with words that coincide with Tom Brokaw’s narration.  Also includes a DVD of the narration’s stage production.}  Amazon (affiliate link) is the cheapest source, but they were temporarily out of stock at the time of this post.  You can also try Deseret Book or your local book seller.  (Preview DVD segment here.)

Christmas from Heaven: The Heartwarming Saga of the Candy Bomber {Today Show}

The Berlin Airlift {PBS}

ABC Person of the Week (Video 2008)  {Great video background to the story, includes an interview with Col. Halvorsen.}

Candy Bomber Won Berliners’ Hearts {More print background from NBC News}

(I was fortunate to attend one of these live performances.  This preview video begins with several snippets from the musical presentations, and then shows a preview of Tom Brokaw sharing  the story of the Candy Bomber.  The moment the 92 year old WWII veteran appears on stage still puts tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my arms!  If you can believe it, after he appears on stage, he spryly bounds down the stairs on his way to join Brokaw for a short chat!  One of my favorite Christmas stories, and certainly one of my favorite retellings!  Video of the full performance available with the story book here.)

**UPDATE**

The YouTube video of Tom Brokaw’s full narration of this amazing Christmas Story has been posted by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!  Find it here or watch below.  (See aforementioned note about my weepy eyes.  Consider yourself warned!)

Also available – Tom Brokaw interviews “The Candy Bomber”, Gail Halvorsen.