From Liberation to Friendship: WWII Veterans Return to Berlin for School’s Veteran’s Day Assembly
On a crisp November morning in Berlin, the auditorium of the John F. Kennedy School (JFKS) was filled with reverence, pride, and gratitude as students, teachers, and community members gathered to honor those who served in World War II. This year’s Veteran’s Day Assembly held a special significance; five World War II veterans returned to Berlin, the city they once helped liberate, as guests of honor.
The assembly began with the presentation of the colors by Troop 46, Berlin’s long-standing Scouting America Troop with deep roots in the city’s American community. As the color guard marched forward, flags in hand, the audience rose in silence, a gesture of respect bridging generations and nations. For decades, Troop 46 has stood shoulder to shoulder with veterans, embodying the values of service, honor, and remembrance. Their presence once again underscored the Troop’s commitment to preserving the memory of those who fought for freedom.
Among the visiting veterans was Colonel (Ret.) Frank A. Athanason, who at just 19 years old served in the 178th 3rd Replacement Depot. Stationed in Erlangen near Nuremberg, Frank helped process troops returning home after the war and spent two years witnessing the Nuremberg Trials, moments that shaped history and the world’s pursuit of justice. Remarkably, Frank returned home to the United States on November 11, 1946, exactly seventy-nine years to the day before this assembly.
Frank’s connection to Scouting runs deep. His son and grandson are both Eagle Scouts, a tradition of service spanning three generations. During the assembly, he requested a photograph with Troop 46 and their flag, a moment that symbolized the continuity of values shared between veterans and Scouts: leadership, duty, and community.
Nils Bespolka, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 46 and Color Guard Lead, shared, “It was an absolute honor to perform a color guard for those who gave so much for our country and our daily freedom.” Scoutmaster Lars Bespolka added, “Hearing, and learning from, the personal stories of the five World War II veterans and the difficulties and challenges they had to overcome was so impactful and meaningful. Their service must not be forgotten. Honoring them and listening to their stories is the least we can do.”
The veterans’ visit was made possible by The Best Defense Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing World War II veterans back to the places they helped liberate. Their “Return to the Battlefields” program fosters connection, remembrance, and healing. This year’s journey to Berlin not only included local school visits and community engagements but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend an NFL game at the historic Olympic Stadium, an experience filled with joy and reflection.
For 65 years, the John F. Kennedy School has stood as a symbol of German-American friendship, founded in 1969 by the U.S. government, Berlin authorities, and parents with the goal of promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange. Events like this Veteran’s Day Assembly reaffirm that mission, reminding students of the sacrifices that made such friendship possible.
Through organizations like The Best Defense Foundation, and through the steadfast support of youth groups like Troop 46, the stories of these veterans and the lessons they carry will continue to inspire future generations on both sides of the Atlantic.
