Chattanooga of all places to have this — I had no idea it was even a thing, let alone the…
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During my trip to Berlin last year, I asked our tour guide, a university researcher in Nazi history, if there are any public displays of swastikas left in Berlin.
Sure enough, he said, there are two symbols of Hitler’s Third Reich, illegal in most cases in Germany since the end of World War II, remaining in the city.
The Reichssportfeld, today known as Olympiapark Berlin, hosted the 1936 Olympics and many sporting events since. On display just outside the stadium is the Olympic bell, which was made for the ’36 games and survived a fall in 1947 when the British destroyed the tower that housed it.
The two swastikas protrude from the base of the bell and are partially filled in. Around them read the words: “Ich rufe die Jugend der Welt,” or “I call the youth of the world.”
Below is a video I made about the bell, plus some photos of the bell and park.
Crowds gather for the 1936 Olympic games
A view from inside the Olympic stadium
The British rebuilt the bell tower in 1962 after destroying it in 1947
German soldiers guarding the bell
An eagle holding the Olympic rings on the bell
One of two swastikas on the bell
The view as you approach Olympiapark Berlin
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It sounds like they’re in many misformations around the city. Berlin is really very interesting, and I hope to make it back there someday.
Das Nordsternhaus, around Fehrbelliner Platz. But the light has to be right, I must admit to that. Also around the old city center, many buildings still have the Speer Eagle, the swastika just covered by a round metal plate, with the house number on it. And I mean JUST covered.
Many have been chiselled out, but leave nothing to the imagination, again, especially when the morning, or evening light hits them at the correct angle.
I go past a few every day on the way to work, but easier than making a list see under Berlin here; http://www.thirdreichruins.com/reichsadler.htm
I was, too. There was actually a German court ruling not too long ago that fined someone for selling anti-Nazi clothing because it had swastikas, even though they were behind crossed-out circles.
Sounds like you’ve got the inside scoop, Furor. Any prominent buildings that I may have heard of?
Growing up my dad use to watch a lot of movies and documentaries about wars (especially those about Vietnam and World War II). I tend to take an interest in content about those times. I found it particularly interesting that the symbol of the Swastika is illegal in Germany. Don’t get me wrong, it makes sense, I was just surprised.
There are many more swastikas in Berlin if you know where to look.
No problem, Jessica. Glad you found it interesting!
Great fact, Kurt. Thanks for adding!
Thank you for sharing this story.
the photo of the two german soldiers guarding the bell…aren’t of german soldiers. they are members of RAD (reichs arbeit dienst, german labor service). you did a year of service in RAD after high school and before you went for military training.