Before the Wall - John's Parents Marry in Berlin

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Oct. 24, 2009

Today, Off-Ramp marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with a trip deep into John Rabe's family archives. In this piece, filed for Savvy Traveler back in 1999, John traces his late mother's and father's footsteps in 1950s Germany. The piece, which John calls one of the best things he's ever done, includes rare audio from his collection, classified documents, and family letters that date back sixty or more years. Come inside for a link to the companion website that includes photos and more.

john rabe
Berlin, 1999.

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Kate Rabe Forgach
3 weeks, 6 days ago

I heard this piece several years ago. It was beautifully done and brought tears to my eyes. Excellent work, John.

jony lago
3 weeks, 5 days ago

I so enjoyed this trip back to 1999 in Berlin. My German mother, from Berlin and who married my dad,an American soldier during the end of WWll, brought back many memories for me. Coming to America as the 'enemy' was not a favorable experience for my mother, who is still around at 91 years of age, but she made her life in America and would have not done it any other way.

Thank you for the journey, I hope this is not the last time John Rabe travels back to his family's wonderful past.

Jony

James Rabe
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Jony, I hope for the same thing. Of all John's work, this is my favorite. Both because it's so personal and because it's just so well done.

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