The allied forces protected West Germany; which was surrounded by Soviet East Germany (the GDR) and became the area around which the wall was built. The East Germans constructed the wall as part of an anti-fascist movement. They didn't want to be a part of the democracy West Berliners craved.
What I had failed to realize was that the wall wasn't just one concrete barrier. It was actually two walls with land in between referred to as the "death strip." This middle section was manned by security guards who would shoot and kill you if you attempted to cross the city's divide.
Today - the majority of the wall is gone, but there are still pieces of the wall in pockets all over the city. And it seems in some spots; there are beautiful gardens surrounding where parts of the wall still stand.
Parlament der Baume - Also known as the Parliament of Trees. Journalist Chas Henry and I found it lodged between the new government district and the Spree River. I'm learning this area is maintained by a well known Berlin Artist by the name of Ben Wargin.
He spoke very little English and Chas and I spoke very little German, so it was a bit difficult to communicate but you could see the hard work he had poured into this place by getting a glimpse of his hands. They were gritty with dirt filled fingernails; a true sign of a man who's given his heart and soul into this project. Ben is older; but I'm not sure his age. He was precious.
Anyways, I have learned this spot memorializes the 258 people who died attempting to cross the Berlin Wall. It's my understanding the last victim was killed just a few short months before the wall was torn down.
There are now trees, willows and markers planted throughout the "death strip" to memorialize this moment in time and all that it stands for.
Although it's not normally allowed, Ben let us onto the property to take pictures of this strip of Berlin Wall with our RIAS camera crew and to film some stand-ups there. It was amazing to see and feel the sight.
Ben then showed us pictures of his work captured in a book. It was really neat to flip through the pages and see the change in scenery over time.
What an amazing afternoon. I wish I could've ran into a translator to interview Ben for a story. He's such a unique character. I would've loved to have talked with him in his native tongue!
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