Berlin Marks 35 Years Since the Wall Fell

Berlin is commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall with a vibrant array of cultural and historical events. The city is adorned with a four-kilometer installation featuring 5,000 posters, created in various community workshops, that connect the aspirations of 1989 with today's hopes under the motto 'We Uphold Freedom.' Alongside these installations, multimedia presentations and exhibitions are being held to educate the public about the pivotal events and themes from that era.

The celebrations are not limited to visual arts. A grand concert with hundreds of musicians is set to bring people together, echoing the unity that marked the end of the Cold War. Major streets in Berlin, including areas around significant landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, are closed to accommodate the events.

The German Bundestag took the opportunity to honor the courage of East Germans who played a key role in the peaceful revolution. Despite the progress, disparities between East and West Germany persist, notably in wages and pensions, prompting calls for greater recognition of East German contributions.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the fall of the Wall as a triumph of freedom, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation. The impact of the Wall's fall continues to resonate, as highlighted by personal stories and exhibitions exploring Berlin’s transformation in the '90s.

Berlin also plans to honor Helmut Kohl, the Chancellor of Unity, by naming a street or square after him, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of German reunification in 2025. This gesture seeks to immortalize his role in shaping modern Germany.