Widespread celebrations, concerts and memorials across Germany will mark the commemoration day for the fall of the Berlin Wall, that pulled down some 20 years ago. The communism infected citizens of East Germany poured in to the U.S supported West Germany on that fateful night of November 9th, 1989, when the wall dividing the two Germany’s came crashing down and ushered in a new era of freedom an democracy. The taking down of the wall was followed by mass celebrations and millions of oppressed East Germans, who were constantly living under the threat of border guards, secret police, informers and rigid communist control were finally liberated and they crossed the border between the two countries, this unifying Germany in one hammer strike.

The celebrations slated for today include concerts from famous rock music groups such as, Bon Jovi and other groups playing musical compositions rendered by the legendary Beethoven. Along with the musical extravaganza, a memorial service has also been scheduled, remembering the loss of 136 lives that were lost, when East German individuals tried to gain freedom by jumping over the wall to West Germany between 1961 to 1989.

In the ensuing celebrations of the fall of the Berlin Wall, some 3 million out of the 16.6 million inhabitants of East Germany crossed the border and entered West Germany to reunite with lost friends and family. The others crossed the border after the gates were thrown open and the borders finally erased. The Berlin Wall stretched a massive 155 kilometers and sections of the wall were taken down marking the end of East Germany. Citizens at that time, grabbed the pieces of the infamous barrier and kept them as souvenirs as the long lost families reunited with tears of joy.

Via Associated Press.