DAY OF THE DONUT

President Hailed By Over A Million In Visit To Berlin (ARTHUR J. OLSEN, June 26, 1963, The New York Times)

President Kennedy, inspired by a tumultuous welcome from more than a million of the inhabitants of this isolated and divided city, declared today he was proud to be "a Berliner."

He said his claim to being a Berliner was based on the fact that "all free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin."

In a rousing speech to 150,000 West Berliners crowded before the City Hall, the President said anyone who thought "we can work with the Communists" should come to Berlin.

However, three hours later, in a less emotional setting, he reaffirmed his belief that the great powers that must work together "to preserve the human race."

This was in many ways the low point of the Cold War, as President Kennedy placed the U.S. metaphorically in the position of Berlin, surrounded and embattled by a superior foe. The psychology of this was just appalling and compares especially badly to Ronald Reagan's visit when he ordered the Soviets to tear down the Berlin Wall. Posted by Orrin Judd at June 26, 2003 7:41 PM