“We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. 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!”

Those words spoken by Ronald Reagan on June 12, 1987 at the Bradenburg Gate, marking the 750th anniversary of Berlin, are a part of history.  Two years later, when the Berlin Wall came down, it paved the way for German unification.  Projekt Mauer is a month long celebration organzied by Northern Kentucky University’s Department of World Languages and Literatures to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  The festivities will start October 12 and will run until November 9, 2009.  Events include:

September 6: Fundraiser at Hofbrahaus in Newport

October 12: Demonstration for human rights on NKU’s campus

October 14: Gail Halvorsen, “Freedom on the Wings of Hope – The Berlin Airlift”

November 9 – Tearing down of The Berlin Wall with concert of Beethoven’s 9th and Carity Party

For more information on all Project Mauer events go to http://projektmauer.nku.edu/listofevents.html.