Germany kicked off celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the epochal fall of the Berlin Wall on Friday, set to culminate in rock stars and freedom icons joining millions at an open-air party.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in communist East Germany, was leading three days of commemorations for those killed trying to flee the repressive state, ahead of a giant festival on Sunday marking the joyous breach of Europe's Cold War division on Nov 9, 1989.
"I think you never forget how you felt that day - at least I will never forget it," Merkel, 60, said in a recent podcast.
"I had to wait 35 years for that feeling of liberty. It changed my life."
Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in communist East Germany, was leading three days of commemorations for those killed trying to flee the repressive state, ahead of a giant festival on Sunday marking the joyous breach of Europe's Cold War division on Nov 9, 1989.
"I think you never forget how you felt that day - at least I will never forget it," Merkel, 60, said in a recent podcast.
"I had to wait 35 years for that feeling of liberty. It changed my life."
