German Ambassador Speaks to Mason: Klaus Scharioth Recounts His Memory of the Berlin Wall’s Fall and its Effect
Reuben Jones, Broadside Correspondent Twenty years ago, the people of Germany celebrated a moment in their history that not only provided happiness to its citizens, but broke down a physical and mental barrier that divided all of Europe. It was an event that the German ambassador to the United States, Klaus Scharioth, described as one of the “most positive things that has happened in the past century.” Scharioth spoke to a crowd of about 100 people on Nov. 17 and told his personal recollection of the Berlin Wall falling in 1989. He spoke about the significance of the event, as well as the impact it has had twenty years later. “People had lost all hope – I know from my own family,” said Scharioth, speaking about the concern that the wall would never fall. He said when 500,000 people demonstrated for freedom, it lead to change. “[It was] much more encouraging if you know you’re part of a movement across a country,” said Scharioth. That movement on Nov. 9, 1989 led to a moment in history that will not be forgotten. “Very few of us thought it would happen in our lifetime,” said Scharioth. Although the wall that had been […]
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