On Nov. 9, 1989, the communist East German government announced that all citizens would be permitted to visit West Berlin and West Germany, officially ending half a century of militarily enforced division. As the news spread, crowds of Eastern and Western Germans rushed to the Berlin Wall, where they met on top in peaceful celebration.
The fall of the Berlin Wall -- the ultimate symbol of Cold War tensions and division -- began the process of German reunification and precipitated the downfall of other communist regimes across Eastern Europe. Germany was officially reunited on Oct. 3, 1990. (AP)
If you have the History Channel, be sure to view "Rise & Fall of the Berlin Wall." I remember when the wall went up and when it went down. It is truly one of the great stories of the 20th century. What the Communist government did to keep people in and what people risked to gain their freedom is amazing. The triumph recognized today is one of freedom's great victories.
Slideshow here.
