For Millenials it must seem strange to think of Germany as two separate nations with its historic capital, Berlin, divided by barbed wire and troops patrolling with orders to shoot to kill if anyone from East Berlin tried to escape. However, that was the reality until twenty-five years ago when the Berlin wall came down; the symbolic repercussions of that event cannot be stressed strongly enough.
With all the challenges in the world today whether it pertains to nuclear proliferation, war and or outbreaks that threaten public health, it is important to recognize how much better the world has become too. A big part of that world becoming a better place is the fall of Communist Europe.
BosGuy 
I was there. It was bitterly cold. Regan and Gorby were expected in 2 hours for speeches. Russian soldiers were selling their uniforms and medals. A lone passenger balloon swayed in the wind. In the distance you could see gangs of young people chipping away at the wall. I purchased a small piece for $9.00 We visited the small museum nearby and then returned to the hotel Schweitzerhof to watch the ceremonies on tv. Berlin is so changed now. Back then coming from the train station–east Berlin was all gray, concrete walls and barbed wire. Across the street was noise, cafes, a chase bank and high end clothing stores. And today east Berlin is boho chic.
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