Monday, November 09, 2009

Berlin, 20 Years Ago

Today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The event led Germany to reunify, plus caused the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Cold War's end.

Today, Berlin residents and visitors alike gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to remember how the Germans rejected the dividing lines represented by the wall. German Chancellor Angela Merkel - who grew up in East Germany - presided over the celebrations, which were attended by tens of thousands of people despite a downpour of rain. After the leaders spoke, a chain of 1,000 giant foam dominoes, painted with messages of freedom by young people, was toppled along where the wall once stood. The festivities were capped with fireworks and a concert featuring music from Berlin's State Opera and the American rock band Bon Jovi.

Pop into the library for more information, and don't forget to check out the Berlin Wall display in the lobby.

No comments: