German crowd flooded in Berlin as the nation marks another milestone in history as it celebrates the 25th year anniversary of the collapse of the Berlin Wall on November 9 - a historic event that has unified the nation after 28 years of strife between the East and the West. Approximately 8,000 balloons illuminated the night sky; afterwhich fireworks at Brandenburg Gate capped the festivities.
It symbolizes a positive turning point in the nation's effort to pave the way towards unification and a triumph against human rights violations. Irish Times revealed that German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was raised in East Germany, said, "On this 25th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's fall I don't feel just joy, but also the responsibility our whole German history gives us." She added further that "things can change for the better" emphasizing the much needed reforms in countries in which human rights are not given due attention, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Ukraine.
BBC News also reported that former Union Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and Polish union leader Lech Walesa also graced the affair with Chancellor Merkel at Brandenburg Gate.
Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church also aired his thoughts on the said event when he mentioned during his address at St. Peter's Square, saying that, "Where there is a wall, there is a closing of hearts. We need bridges, not walls."
To those who have fallen victims during the years of turmoil, of constant struggle to cross the borders and free themselves from the East, may their lives be not lost in vain. As emphasized by Chancellor Angela Merkel that it is important to remember the historic event, the fall of the Berlin Wall. To those whose families were gravely affected, the commemoration is not as festive as it seems. While we enjoy the revelry, let us look into its relevance to the present times.