Road march honors fall of the Berlin Wall

The fall of the Berlin Wall occurred 20 years ago on Nov. 9, 1989.

The celebration was broadcast worldwide as it represented the reunification of East and West Germany and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

To commemorate this significant moment in history, 7th Civil Support Command Soldiers and German airmen conducted a 10-kilometer road march along rolling hills and unpaved roads at the Kaiserslautern Army Depot Nov. 15.

Participants were from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Civil Support Command; 361st Civil Affairs Brigade; 406th Human Resources Company; 773rd Civil Support Team and a German air force unit from Ramstein.

Before the march, Col. Friedbert J. Humphrey, commander of the 361st CAB, said he was pleased with being able to take part in the event.

“I am honored to stand before you as together we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall,” Colonel Humphrey said. “Today’s celebration demonstrates a partnership that German and American units have enjoyed for many years.”

The march ended back at the parade field on Daenner Kaserne where the German airmen were presented military unit coins and U.S. Army skullcaps from Colonel Humphrey and Command Sgt. Maj. David Stading, the 7th CSC command sergeant major. A barbecue was held after  the march where participants of both nations socialized and enjoyed American burgers and hot dogs.

“Thank you all who helped plan this worthwhile event. I congratulate you on your dedication to our partnership. I look forward to partnering more in the future,” Colonel Humphrey said.

During the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier with guard towers erected to stop people from fleeing communist rule.

It was the most memorable piece of the Iron Curtain, a divide between Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc, which symbolized the Cold War.

In 1989, the Soviet Union collapsed. As a result, the Berlin Wall was taken down and the reunification of Germany began.