Scenes after the destruction of the Tangermünde Bridge over the River Elbe in Germany at the end of World War II in Europe. Wide view of heavily damaged Tangermunde Bridge. It had been blown-up by German forces a month prior during their retreat toward Berlin. American soldier wearing garrison cap or side cap stands on bridge checking papers of German civilians who are attempting to cross the bridge in advance of incoming Soviet forces (preparing to surrender to American and British allies rather than to Soviet forces). German civilians walk along the damaged bridge. The twisted metal requires that the citizens hold on tightly to their belongings and to small children during the crossing, to avoid falling into the river. A young man holds a young child and belongings as he crosses carefully. Other scenes of men and women holding small children and babies, and luggage and belongings as they cross.
Defeated German soldiers and German citizens prepare to cross damaged Tangermünde bridge over River Elbe in Germany at end of World War II. They are fleeing westward away from the advancing Soviet forces (fearing Soviet retribution more than being in American or British controlled areas of Germany). A board reads 'American 102th Division greets the fighters of Russia'. It is signed by the 405th Infantry regiment and stands ready to greet the Soviet forces who have not yet arrived. Surrendered and defeated German soldiers and civilians prepare to cross the damaged Tangermunde Bridge.
Scenes following the April 1945 destruction of the Tangermünde Bridge over the River Elbe, by retreating German forces in World War 2. View of damaged Tangermunde Bridge. Defeated German soldiers and German civilians walk along the bridge, moving westward into American and British controlled areas, and fleeing advancing Soviet forces (fearing their retribution). Civilians climb the bridge carefully with their luggage, having to hold twisted steel girders with no flooring beneath. Wounded German walks carefully on the bridge. U.S. Army soldiers checking papers of German citizens crossing the bridge.
President Reagan gives a brief speech to press assembled at the White House before departing for the Economic Summit Conference in France. He jokes that Nancy is upstairs "unplugging the toaster" and that they are ready to depart. He talks about the economic progress of the United States. Economic and security relations being the foremost foreign concerns.
United States President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy board a helicopter on the lawn of the White House (1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, United States). The helicopter takes off with the Washington Monument in the background. President Reagan along with his wife disembark from aircraft in Paris. President Reagan holds an umbrella while he descends from the airstair with Nancy Reagan. President Reagan visits the Élysée Palace (55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France). French troops in uniform stand along with French President Mitterrand to welcome the United States President. Members of the Economic Summit receive a red-carpet welcome at the Palace of Versailles (Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France). British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is seen, along with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Japanese Prime Minister Suzuki Zenkō. United States Secretary of the Treasury Donald Regan speaks before the assembly. A gala dinner and dance are held in the evening, ending with fireworks.
United States President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy visit Rome, Italy after attending the Economic Summit in France. President Reagan and Nancy exit a car in Rome. President Reagan shakes hands with two cardinals. President Reagan, Nancy Reagan and Secretary of State Alexander Haig meet Pope John Paul II in Vatican City. President Ronald Reagan and the Pope each give short speeches. Later, the President visits the Quirinal Palace (Piazza del Quirinale, 00187 Roma RM, Italy) to meet Italian President Sandro Pertini.
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