This Day in History - June 12, 1987

On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave one of his most memorable Cold War speeches.
President Reagan stood at Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, Germany and challenged General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to open the gate dividing Germany.

"There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable; that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. 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. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

Reagan would go on to pledge America's efforts to overcome the fear of war and pain of division. He spoke against Soviet expansion. His philosophy of peace through strength was clearly stated. He called for a reduction in arms on both sides. He called for the protestors from the past and those currently protesting to mark the fact that because we (Western Alliance) remained strong, the Soviets came back to negotiation table.

A little over two years later, The Berlin Wall came down. In the video below, TIME Magazine photographer, Anthony Suau talks about the fall of The Berlin Wall. He was sent in to photograph this historic event.

While I was only a year out of high school and home with a two-week old baby during Reagan's speech, I vividly remember the November 1989 coverage of The Berlin Wall being torn down. It still brings me to tears.