Mr. Gorbatchev, Open This Gate

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the Berlin Wall came down. And somehow, I always remember Reagan's speech at the Brandenburg Gate back in 1987 when he called on Gorbatchev to open the Gate and tear down the Wall. Just over two years later, it finally happened. I remember that night - Nov 9, 1989 - like it was yesterday. And I think I always will.

The Morning of Nov 9, 1989 ...

The Night of Nov 9, 1989...

Today...

[Teacher Mark 53]

REAGAN SMASH!

Edited November 6, 2009 by Mr. Saigon

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Are you east or west German Reinhardt? Well, you are now American, I know that. But originally.

[Otto 83]

1963

1987

2-Years Later

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Are you east or west German Reinhardt? Well, you are now American, I know that. But originally.

I was born and raised on the dark side of the iron curtain. See the black line on the map below? That's where the Wall separated my hometown (Kleinmachnow) from Berlin-Zehlendorf. I lived less than a mile south of the Wall. Looked at that sucker literally every day.

[NickD 203]

Thought Reagan said, Mr. Gorbatchev, Tear down this wall!!

Could be mistaken, what in the hell can I remember that happened twenty years ago, can't even remember what happen yesterday.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Thought Reagan said, Mr. Gorbatchev, Tear down this wall!!

Could be mistaken, what in the hell can I remember that happened twenty years ago, can't even remember what happen yesterday.

You're not mistaken. He said both.

General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

[Empress of Groovy 373]

The husband and I went to Berlin in 2005. We visited the Stasi museum, which was really interesting. I'm sure it would have been more interesting if I could read German (almost none of the displays had a translation), but wow...such a strange and interesting history. We did get to watch a 20-minute documentary in English, tho.

When I lived in Texas, I took a few banjo lessons from a guy from East Germany. He was very odd. And an excellent banjo player.

Sorry, Reinhard, this isn't much of a contribution. Just wanted to say something...I was in high school in 1989 and remember watching the news and being aware of witnessing history. It's still strange to think how recently the country was split, and life was so different for people on either side of the wall.

By the way, have you seen The Lives of Others? If so, what did you think?

Edited November 6, 2009 by Empress of Groovy

[Otto 83]

By the way, have you seen The Lives of Others? If so, what did you think?

I've seen it (can be rented on Netflix) - its a good movie (award winner I believe) - slow paced but it's supposed to be. Another good one would be Goodbye Lenin (also on Netflix).

[_Simpson_ 250]

1963

1987

2-Years Later

2 yrs later eh, oh and the Kennedy speech... thanks for sharing that

[Empress of Groovy 373]

By the way, have you seen The Lives of Others? If so, what did you think?

I've seen it (can be rented on Netflix) - its a good movie (award winner I believe) - slow paced but it's supposed to be. Another good one would be Goodbye Lenin (also on Netflix).

Yes, I've seen both. I thought The Lives of Others was excellent.

I'm curious about the pickles in Good Bye Lenin. Mmm...pickles.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

By the way, have you seen The Lives of Others? If so, what did you think?

I've seen it (can be rented on Netflix) - its a good movie (award winner I believe) - slow paced but it's supposed to be. Another good one would be Goodbye Lenin (also on Netflix).

Yes, I've seen both. I thought The Lives of Others was excellent.

I've seen neither to date but I guess I'll have a look.

[Otto 83]

Mmm...pickles.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

oh and the Kennedy speech... thanks for sharing that

One of the greatest speeches ever. The speech resonated with the free citizens of West Berlin as with those not free who were living and caged into the Soviet occupied East Germany. The speech was powerful, inspiring and right on the money.

[Anna C. 4]

I was 7 back then... And we lived 20km from the border. As soon as it was open, we jumped into the Trabbi and it took 30 hours to get there. Everyone was going there. Schools were closed. I loved the supermarket, they had unlimited Barbie dolls