Germans Mark 23rd Anniversary of Berlin Wall Coming Down

Europe still has some divisions to deal with

A large number of commemorative events will take place in Berlin with a church service to be held at the Berlin Wall Memorial in commemoration of those who were killed while trying to get over the wall.

The barrier that cut off West Berlin from East Germany and East Berlin was built in 1961 at the initiative of GDR's leader Walter Ulbricht amid a mass departure of workforce and young specialists to West Germany.

The Eastern Bloc claimed that the wall would protect its population from fascist elements. In practice, the Wall served to keep people from going to West Germany.