4 replies to this topic

[Strangelove]

In a speech at the Brandenburg Gate commemorating the 750th anniversary of Berlin on June 12, 1987, Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev, then the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, to tear down the wall as a symbol of increasing freedom in the Eastern Bloc:

"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

Its been more than 20 years.

[True]

Don't you mean 40?

[Smiter]

*clips True's ear* No taking things off-topic!

On topic, I still remember that night, watching the BBC news and seeing the Berlin Wall crumble. I was 10 years old back then.

I didn't know the whole story behind the Berlin Wall at the time, but the scenes of sheer joy and relief have stayed with me ever since. I still vivdly remember watching all those people, trying to break the wall apart with whatever tools they had at the time, from sledgehammers down to their bare hands and feet.

[Pite]

"Just another brick in the wall." It has been 20 years but the traces of communism are still around. The walls of gray buildings filled with hope and youth are the ones you can find in Poland.

[Ninja Goddess]

Yeah, I'm too young to remember it, but a really important moment indeed.