On Tuesday, the 10th November the world celebrated a fallen symbol. Twenty years ago, the Berlin wall 45k.m. in length and 1.5m high was dismantled. This wall stood as a constant in your face reminder of terrible images. The Berlin wall was

• A symbol of hatred. Built by East Germany in 1961. This physical structure divided a once whole city.
• A symbol of death. When the wall was dismantled over years hundreds died trying to escape to the west. One article reported 136 people shot dead trying to cross east to west. For many tried and never made it.
• A symbol of separation. The wall separated families, relatives and friends. Individuals were unable to walk, jump in their car and go visit a loved one. All because of this stupid wall.
• A symbol of poverty and fear. Many feared that he wall if pulled down would bring down an economy. East Berlin would make west Berlin an economic basket case. Welcome to the world of insecurity.
• A symbol of no hope. Hope and prosperity depending on what side of the fence you resided. East being out for me.

These are some reported comments of those celebrating the death of a symbol, “it’s a day for those who believe in the face of cynicism, doubt and oppression, walls can truly come down” “no barrier to celebrating” “families torn in two wept tears of relief as their loved ones crossed the barricade” and finally “the world cheered the fall of hated that divided east from west in the cold war.”

Without doubt the world has changed when the wall was taken down piece by piece

• Providing new opportunities and adventures.
• Providing new friendships and hope.
• Providing political and social reforms throughout Eastern Europe.