Fall of the Berlin Wall silver jubilee anniversary is celebrated world wide

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the 25^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall;“Twenty-five years ago today, in one of the most pivotal moments of the 20^th century, the government of the former communist state in Eastern Germany, as a result of mass demonstrations and non-violent protests by millions of its own citizens, announced that travel restrictions had been lifted and that citizens could visit the Federal Republic of Germany, effectively breaching the wall separating East and West Berlin. This marked the triumph of freedom and democracy over the evil of a communist system that saw tens of millions of Eastern Europeans deprived of their fundamental rights and liberties.

“On this day, let us recall the tremendous celebrations that resulted when this symbol of Soviet oppression finally came down. We remember the jubilation of families reunited when many experienced freedom for the first time.

“Let us also pause and remember those unfortunate souls who were killed at the Berlin Wall in their courageous attempts to flee tyranny and secure the basic rights that many of us take for granted.

“In the CanadianWarMuseum here in Ottawa, a piece of the Berlin Wall is on display. That remnant reminds us that while good ultimately conquers evil, there is always a price to pay for freedom. Mindful of this lesson of history, we must always remain vigilant in the defence of freedom.

“Today, we join all Germans – including the 3.2 million Canadians who trace their roots to Germany – in commemorating this important anniversary. May the stories of those who struggled to bring down the Wall continue to inspire us as we work together to champion human rights, freedom and democracy around the globe.”