For Berliners, Nov. 9 marks the 20th anniversary of the event that changed virtually everything. On that date in 1989, following months of intensifying pressure, East Germany's government and its border guards suddenly allowed free access to the west. Thousands poured through checkpoints — including the Brandenburg Gate — a crossing that, just days before, might well have proved lethal.

Within hours, the Wall that had divided Berlin since 1961, was being painted and pulveri ...

( Back to Article )