Berlin unveils plaque to Reagan's 'Wall' speech

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Associated Press

Posted on September 19, 2012 at 11:01 AM

Updated Wednesday, Sep 19 at 11:02 AM

BERLIN (AP) — Berlin's mayor has unveiled a plaque commemorating the 25th anniversary of U.S. President Ronald Reagan's call to the Soviets to "tear down" the wall that then divided the German city.

Reagan's 1987 address in front of Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate came at a time when Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev was encouraging reform in the Eastern bloc.

In his speech Reagan said dismantling the Berlin Wall would be a powerful gesture for peace. Two-and-a-half years later the wall fell after East German authorities granted their citizens the right to travel to the West.

Mayor Klaus Wowereit presented the bronze plaque Wednesday saying it reminds Berliners of a "dark time" that has been overcome.

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