The Berlin Wall

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since that remarkable day. In my lifetime there have been a few life-changing world events that leave a mark on you forever. The fall of the Berlin Wall was one of those events for me.

I was only 13 years old when the wall fell and I don’t remember much. What I do remember was sitting in my 8th grade German class 20 years ago today and talking about what had happened the day before. We talked about freedom, we talked about democracy, and we talked about a country uniting. I remember, even at that young of an age, feeling hope for the world we live in.

The fall of the wall gave me the opportunity to travel to Russia, to set foot in a communist country (much to my mother’s dismay), and experience a culture that was kept from me before that time. I was only 15 years old when I took that trip, but I still have vivid memories of a beautiful culture. I look forward to the day I can return.

Now, I think back on that time of the Berlin Wall and what the fall really means. The fall of the Berlin Wall came peacefully. No shots were fired, no lives were lost, and freedom was gained. East Germans walked across the border they were never allowed to cross and were greeting by their fellow countrymen. The people in West Germany willingly gave their money and their food. Children were given candy and the parents were given money to buy goods. With welcome arms, the East Germans were welcomed to their new freedom. Kind of makes me think about how my country treats those who come across the border…but that’s a discussion for another day.

In today’s world, with violence everywhere you turn, I like to think about the Berlin Wall. What an example of peace and democracy. When I lose a little faith in the world, in my country, and in the future, I’ll think of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the hope that day 20 years ago gave to the world.