Original Source: www.theguardian.com
In the vibrant heart of Berlin, tens of thousands gathered to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, a landmark moment in history. Chancellor Olaf Scholz reflected on this event with gratitude, calling it a day of good fortune for Germany. Erected in 1961, the Wall’s 28-year existence marked a painful division between East and West during the Cold War, built to prevent East Germans from escaping to the West and embodying the ideological rift of the era.
Today, only remnants of the Wall remain, serving as poignant tourist attractions. For this anniversary, vivid posters created by local children and adults transformed a 4-kilometer stretch of the former Wall into a powerful showcase under the slogan “We uphold freedom.” Visitors, including many international tourists, wandered through this immersive exhibit that captured both the cries for freedom from 1989 and current aspirations for liberty and expression.
Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegner, emphasized the importance of vigilance in defending freedom and democracy, reminding attendees that these values are never guaranteed. The anniversary festivities culminated in a musical celebration, featuring 700 performers across multiple stages, where familiar anthems like “Heroes” by David Bowie echoed through the night, inviting everyone to join in a collective chorus of hope and resilience.
The vibrant celebrations will conclude with a performance by the renowned Russian dissident band Pussy Riot, echoing the enduring struggle for freedom across borders.
The Berlin Wall symbolized the division of Germany and the ideological battle of the Cold War from 1961 to its fall in 1989. It stretched 156.4 kilometers and was built to prevent East Germans from escaping to the West. Its dismantling not only marked the end of the Cold War but also paved the way for Germany’s reunification in 1990, transforming the nation’s landscape and psyche.
This poignant celebration of the Berlin Wall’s fall serves as a reminder of the enduring values of freedom and democracy, evoking reflections on the past while urging vigilance for the future. Through artistic expressions and musical tributes, the spirit of hope continues to thrive, reinforcing the belief that the fight for freedom is a universal endeavor.
