Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Kennedy's Speech in Berlin" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvasboard. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood Commerative Cover for Old Glory's Proudest Moments postmarked on the anniversary June 26, 2002. The American flag is recognized worldwide as a symbol of freedom. For 45 years following World War II, the concept of freedom was put to the test in a series of confrontations between communist and non-communist blocs of states. One of the most dramatic moments in the Cold War took place in central Europe. In 1961 East German leader Walter Ulbricht ordered the construction of a concrete, stone and barbed wire "antifascist protection barrier" through the heart of Berlin. The real purpose of the Berlin Wall, however, was to prevent a mass exodus of East Berliners from seeking freedom in the West. On June 26, 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy made a historic and rousing speech to a Berlin crowd gathered in the shadow of the somber Wall. Standing on the steps of the Rathouse Sch?neberg, Kennedy denounced the Wall as a vivid demonstration of the failure of the Communist system, an offense against history but also against humanity because it separated people who wish to be joined together. More than a million Germans roared their approval as Kennedy declared, "Ich bin ein Berliner" ... "I am a Berliner." It was one of the most uplifting statements in the history of man, a heartening reminder to a divided Germany that freedom is indivisible, and that when one man is enslaved no one is free. Nearly four decades later, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, Germans flew the American flag and proclaimed, "Ich bin ein Amerikaner" ... "I am an American." Image Size: 15 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 16 in. Unframed. (B17004)