November 9th, 1989- 20 years ago

[Murph]

November 9th 1989 the Berlin Wall comes down. The sight still brings tears to my eyes. I visited the Wall in 1985, and hated it on sight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtYdjbpBk6A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXCEaeqZDnA

From Wikipedia:
Arriving in Berlin on June 12, 1987, President and Mrs. Reagan were taken to the Reichstag, where they viewed the wall from a balcony.[8] Reagan then made his speech at the Brandenburg Gate at 2 PM, in front of two panes of bulletproof glass protecting him from potential snipers in East Berlin.[2] About 45,000 people were in attendance; among the spectators were West German president Richard von Weizsäcker, Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and West Berlin mayor Eberhard Diepgen.[8] That afternoon, Reagan said,
“ We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. 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![9] ”

Later on in his speech, President Reagan said, "As I looked out a moment ago from the Reichstag, that embodiment of German unity, I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner, 'This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality.' Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom."[9]

[staceylking]

We were stationed in Germany then. I clearly remember the autobahn being swarmed with Trabbies stuffed to the fenders like clown cars. Freedom's a beautiful thing :)

[Dobick]

In this day and age of diplomatic gamesmanship, President Reagan's unwaivering steadfast tasking of Russia was both surprising and frightening.

Watching that speech just sent cold chills down my spine. What if?

What if Reagan was wrong? It was in my mind the single largest "all-in" to ever be played in the world game of Hold-Em.

[dbphotos]

One of the most amazing times in history during my life.

"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!"

http://www.historyplace.com/speeches...-tear-down.htm

[Murph]

I was stationed in Germany from 83-86 with the 3rd Armored Division, and drove to Berlin through Checkpoint Alpha to Checkpoint Bravo, then went into East Berlin via Checkpoint Charlie. Neat experience, but I know that Berlin has changed since 1985.

[CaptainTom]

A Reagan Letter to Robert Poli, PATCO (Oct. 20, 1980)

Dear Mr. Poli:

I have been briefed by members of my staff as to the deplorable state of our nation's air traffic control system. They have told me that too few people working unreasonable hours with obsolete equipment has placed the nation's air travellers in unwarranted danger. In an area so clearly related to public safety the Carter administration has failed to act responsibly.

You can rest assured that if I am elected President, I will take whatever steps are necessary to provide our air traffic controllers with the most modern equipment available and to adjust staff levels and work days so that they are commensurate with achieving a maximum degree of public safety....

I pledge to you that my administration will work very closely with you to bring about a spirit of cooperation between the President and the air traffic controllers.
Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan

[dbphotos]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

A Reagan Letter to Robert Poli, PATCO (Oct. 20, 1980)

I know, I know, you have a sore spot for the man, but that's another topic isn't it?

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by dbphotos

I know, I know, you have a sore spot for the man, but that's another topic isn't it?

Just trying to provide some balance.

[Redneck]

It's always nice to see Americans remembering these touching times and events abroad. I used to live in East Germany at this time.

[Murph]

And the Wall came tumbling down. Happy 20th!

[lucian]

I had recently retired (Aug89) and was in TX. I just got to see the sites on the news. Even though I never made it to Germany it was still an emotional experience.

[venchka]

Amazing it was. cold War. The airlift on the news reel at the base theater. Dad in a B52 loaded down like Slim Pickens on the flight line ready to go during the Suez thing. All the spy movies in the 60s.

And the Wall came tumbling down. And I lived to see it. Cool.