[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 20]
[House]
[Page 29180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF FALL OF BERLIN WALL

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, one of the most recognized 
symbols of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, was leveled by the hammer of 
freedom. Today the entire free world commemorates the 10th anniversary 
of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
  On November 9, 1989, when President Ronald Reagan's belief of peace 
through strength prevailed as demonstrators from East Germany began to 
tear down the wall, thus signifying the beginning of the end of one of 
the most oppressive and vicious regimes in history.
  While the final collapse of Communism in the former Soviet Union 
occurred shortly after President Reagan left office, history shows that 
it was his bold vision and courageous actions that led to this historic 
event.
  Ten years later, the world can still hear the echoes of the cheers 
that erupted at the Brandenburg Gate when President Reagan called upon 
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down this wall.
  Today we commemorate freedom and democracy throughout most of the 
world, and we also celebrate President Reagan's bold vision and 
courageous quest for freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, as we continue our work in Congress, I urge all my 
colleagues to help celebrate the freedom and democracy that helps keep 
America strong.

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