World Freedom Day is a United States federal observance declared by then-President George W Bush to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. It signifies the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe. The observance started in 2001 and is celebrated on November 9. After World War II ended, Germany was divided into East and West Germany. The two sectors were divided by the American, British, and French-occupied sectors of West Germany and the Soviet Union controlled East Germany. In 1949, East Germany became its own country and the capital city of Berlin fell within the Soviet Zone of Occupation. We bring to you World Freedom Day 2020 date, significance and history. Quotes From Prominent Personalities to Celebrate Free Speech And Media.

West Berlin was an Allied-occupied territory surrounded by East Germany. The wall prevented the immigration of East Berliners to West Berlin and Western Europe in general. However, between 1961 to 1989, around 5,000 people successfully escaped over the Berlin Wall with losing their lives in the process. The official death toll is 136 deaths. The Fall of the Berlin Wall 30th Anniversary: What Happened During the Falling of Iron Curtain? Here’s Everything About the Historic Event.

In June 1982, President Ronald Reagan visited Berlin and addressing the issue of the wall. In 1987, he again visited the Berlin Wall and made his now-famous speech, “Tear down this wall!” Eventually, on November 9, 1989, the East German government announced that East Germans could visit West Berlin and West Germany. Eventually, people began demolishing the wall, chipping away its parts as souvenirs. World Freedom Day is commemorated by youth groups and activists who perceive it as a celebration of the victory over communism.

In 1989, the new leader of East Germany reduced travel restrictions from East Germany. Thus, on November 9, 1989, thousands descended upon the wall and began chipping away at the wall using hammers. And thus, the wall came down piece by piece. Thus, on October 3, 1990, East and West Germany reunified into a single German state. In 2001, President George Bush proclaimed November 9 as World Freedom Day. Since 2001, each president since George Bush has proclaimed November 9th as World Freedom Day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 08, 2020 09:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).