Tear Down this Wall

On June 12, 1987, President Reagan stood at Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin, West Germany, to address what initially was an apprehensive crowd. But in this speech were the words of hope, compassion, and more importantly, strength that every Citizen of Germany had long to hear from anyone whose voice could be heard:

“General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

The applause was thunderous. President Reagan not only let the Soviet Union know that he stood in solidarity with the people of a united Germany, but also with all oppressed peoples. President Reagan spoke from the heart and expressed genuine anger that an entire nation was being held captive behind a man-made wall. This was not only Ronald Reagan at his finest, but it was America at its greatest. It was the simplicity of the meaning that allows those words to echo even today (Tear this Wall Down - 20 Years Later).

Living in Germany at the time I can remember the many protests against America’s presence in Europe. Disdain for America wasn’t limited to the rallies in the street, but could be felt in everyday life. The Socialist movement, supported by the Soviet Union, had infested every country on the Continent. The modern terrorist movement was born in Europe with groups like Red Army Faction, French Action Direct, and the Italian Red Brigade. However, on that day I have never felt more proud to be an American. Its not that I was ashamed to be an American, but this speech changed how I looked at our role in the world, as it did for many people. Our President, “the Cowboy,” saw injustice and confronted it. On June 12, 1987, many politicians and diplomats wished that they had the strength shown by President Reagan.

Like the Gettysburg Address, this speech was short, but the strength in the words is felt even today. What the Gettysburg Address and the Brandenburg speech lacked in the number of words, they more than made up for in the power of their message. These speeches remind us that America’s fate not only rest in our unity as a nation, but in our belief that as a free Republic we have a higher calling to serve all mankind.

Note: I have attached a link to a transcript of the original speech should you want to read it.

http://www.ronaldreagan.com/sp_11.html