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This month marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most wonderful moments in the history of what was a turbulent 20th century. For millions of Germans it will no doubt be one of the enduring memories of their lives. November 9th, 1989, was the day that the infamous Berlin Wall finally fell. I can still recall watching it on TV at my mother's home. As I was watching, my mother who, along with my father, was born and raised in Germany, had tears streaming down her face, unable to believe the enormity of what was happening before her eyes - this beautiful celebration of unity after so many years of division. A BBC news report from the time states that, “the first indication that change was imminent (on that day) came when East Berlin's Communist party spokesman, Gunther Schabowski, announced that East Germans would be allowed to travel directly to West Germany. This announcement was intended to stem an exodus into West Germany through the 'back door' which began (the previous) summer when the new and more liberal regime in Hungary opened its border. The flow of migrants was intensified (in early November 1989) when Czechoslovakia also granted free access to West Germany through its border.” Born of German parents, NILS VON KALM remembers the day the wall came down and his own emotional visit to Berlin some time later...
http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/stories/feature/berlinwall8.11.09.php
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