Wegner: Thanks to the people of 1989 for a free country
Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner has emphasized the commitment of many people in East Germany to unity. "The fact that we can live in a united city today without a wall, without barbed wire, without prisons for political motives, is indeed thanks to the people who took to the streets in '89, who stood up for freedom and democracy," said the CDU politician at a commemorative event at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Thursday. Wegner was joined by Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Mette-Marit, among others.
Wegner spoke of the responsibility of future generations to pass on memories and history to young people. "These days in particular, we are currently experiencing that democracy, freedom and even peace cannot be taken for granted." It is always worth taking to the streets for freedom and democracy.
The head of government also recalled the anniversary of the pogrom against Jews in Germany on November 9, 1938 and the recent attacks. "It is intolerable for me that anti-Semitism, hostility towards Israel and hatred of Jews are taking place on our streets," said Wegner. "We must never allow this to happen again. Jews must not be afraid."
Axel Klausmeier, Director of the Berlin Wall Foundation, referred to the importance of Western values of freedom. "It is these values of freedom for which the courageous people in the GDR took to the streets 34 years ago and which are now more than ever threatened, attacked or supposedly only questioned elsewhere," said Klausmeier. "We must defend these values."
As examples, he cited the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as well as "unrestricted solidarity with Israel and the implementation of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip".
The memorial on Bernauer Strasse is a symbol of the division of Germany. When the Wall was built in 1961, the frontage of the street was to the east and the sidewalk to the west. The fall of the Wall on November 9, 1989 marked the end of the GDR, and Germany was reunited on October 3, 1990. The Berlin Wall stood for more than 28 years. Numerous commemorative events were held in Berlin and Brandenburg to mark the 34th anniversary of the opening of the border between East and West Berlin.
- The Berlin Wall Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the historical conflicts that divided Germany, specifically the GDR, for over 28 years.
- Kai Wegner, during his speech, acknowledged the role of history and memorials in preserving the memory of the people who courageously stood against the Berlin Wall, representing the conflicts and strife of the time.
- As we commemorate the 34th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it's crucial to reflect on the importance of these memorials in upholding the values of freedom, democracy, and unity that were fought for during the conflicts in Germany's past, especially in the context of current threats to these same values around the world.
Source: www.dpa.com
