Remembering the Cold War: Berlin Wall Rededication Ceremony & Book presentation by Francis Gary Powers, Jr.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, fragments of the iconic monument have been donated to various cities in the world. When Chicago was offered a piece in 2008, it was installed in the lobby of the Western Brown Line station which is located at the center of one of Chicago's traditionally German neighborhoods, Lincoln Square.  

In celebration of the fall of the wall and the ensuing end of the Cold War, DANK Haus German American Cultural Center and the Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation will host a rededication ceremony unveiling a newly restored dedication plaque. The ceremony will be followed by a multi-media presentation showcasing a new book by Francis Gary Powers, Jr.: "Letters from a Soviet Prison: The Personal Journal and Correspondence of CIA U-2 Pilot Francis Gary Powers."

Powers Jr. is the son of Gary Powers, an American pilot whose spy plane was shot down and captured by the Soviets in 1960, an important Cold War event known as the "U2-incident". In his new book, Powers uses his father's prison letters and private journal to provide a first-hand account of life as a high-profile prisoner in Soviet prisons.

The story of Gary Powers' imprisonment and eventual release in a dramatic prisoner exchange was recently dramatized in  Steven Spielberg's successful motion picture "Bridge of Spies." In his presentation, Powers will show short movie clips and discuss parallels as well as differences between his father's real-life experiences and those portrayed in the movie.

Powers' book was published in a limited edition printing of 500 copies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and book signing as well as a reception providing the opportunity for personal conversation.

Suggested donation: $10
Drinks & Snacks available for purchase

Please register if you would like to attend this event.

The event is co-sponsored by the Cold War Museum Midwest Chapter and the Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation.