Kai Wegner: August 13th “One of the Darkest Days” in Berlin’s History
Today is the 65th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall. Exhibitions and other events are taking place.
On August 13th, 1961, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner lamented that day as "one of the darkest days in the history of our city." The construction of the Berlin Wall had separated families, friends, and dreams, and trapped millions of people within the oppressive SED dictatorship. On this anniversary, Wegner attended several official engagements, including a remembrance service at the Chapel of Reconciliation, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Berlin Wall Memorial, and a moment of silence at the Peter Fechter memorial stele.
A temporary memorial site at the Brandenburg Gate opened, featuring an installation and exhibition that highlighted the Wall's history, honored its victims, and reflected on the present.
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