History

Twenty years ago today, Germany made history - this time in a good way. It was the day that the Berlin Wall came down, and Germans from the East were finally able to walk past a line that previously may have cost them their lives if they attempted to cross it. As a German, I feel that this is a special day to remember, and it's a moment of history I'm very grateful for. My memories are a little weak of that day, since I was only 12 years old. But, I remember watching on TV how exciting everyone was when the wall came down, and people from the East could just cross over to the West. There were tears, there was excitement, there was happiness, and cheers, and I think a good portion of 'I can't believe this is really happening' on peoples faces. What an amazing day. I faintly remember how shortly before the wall fell, there was a surge in Eastern Germans trying to get out of East Germany, even if it cost them their lives. There was such a strong desire for freedom that people were willing to do whatever it took.

To me this is a great example of what can happen when a people are united in what they want, and are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to change things. I don't think Berlin Wall just came down due to mere politics (or Ronald Reagan for that matter). There was a change in the hearts of the people of East Germany, and when they took action, a weakened political system could no longer hold them down. This is also why I don't think that we can or ought to force 'freedom' on anyone. It doesn't work. It has to come as a result of people wanting it badly enough. Otherwise, a true change cannot be made.

Anyway, I don't think I'm able to write anything that does this day justice. I'm just grateful for the changes that took place in my home country that day. Those changes also came with a price. Rebuilding the East has been a costly endeavor for Germany. There have been hard times economically, and hardships for people in the East who had to adjust to a whole new life style. Yet, I'm glad for every penny this has cost us, and for every hardship that came with this change. Because not having that wall separating a nation is what everyone wanted, what everyone was willing to make sacrifices for, and what I think has made us a better, stronger people. At the end of the day, we were and are all Germans, and there is no place for any division. To me, it was and is worth all the sacrifices.

I think anyone who claims to be my friend, ought to read the news today and read a little more about this special day in my country's history. (If you don't read anything it's ok, too and you can still be my friend). Here are some links for your convenience:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/world/europe/10germany.html?_r=1&ref=global-home

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/world/europe/09berlin.html?ref=global-home

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/world/europe/09iht-reunif.html?ref=europe