The song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” comes to mind when I read this prompt. I distinctly remember the end of the Cold War, or at least what we hoped was the end of it. I remember watching President Reagan give his “tear down this wall…” speech live. I remember people walking on the defunct Berlin Wall, hugging, high-fiving, celebrating the end of one of the most brutal authoritarian regimes of all time.
General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate.
Ronald Reagan, address at the Brandenburg Gate, June 12, 1987
Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate!
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
I remember 9/11 quite vividly as well. I was home for the summer after my first year of college and my mom woke me up urgently. I looked at the television screen and saw the black smoke billowing from the towers, people jumping to their deaths, and then the collapse of the buildings. It was probably the most horrific thing I have ever seen live.
I could go on at length, but alas the pillow, cozy bed, and our foster kitten Boba await me upstairs and I must answer that call.
“These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong,” he told his audience. “A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”
George W. Bush
Thanks for reading Bunchiesblog! Check out some of the other recent posts! I wish you the best of days! What major historical events do you remember?
What are your thoughts on this?