Germany donates a fragment of the Berlin Wall to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic received a fragment of the Berlin Wall donated by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Caribbean country, which was installed in the city of Santo Domingo, at the Fray Antonio de Montesino monument.
This gift arises on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and was installed in that place since, like the wall, Montesino personifies the aspiration for freedom, tolerance, and respect for human rights.
The Berlin Wall symbolizes the oppression of people’s desire to live in freedom and democracy. It was built on August 13, 1961, dividing a town and tearing families apart. Its collapse occurred on November 9, 1989, and not only ended the German division, but also the Cold War and the division of the European continent.
“Today we put an end to a project that was born more than two years ago in Berlin. I am very pleased that we are making this donation to the city of Santo Domingo in the same week that marks the 60th anniversary of the execution of dictator Trujillo. This shows how the history of our two countries is marked and linked by the dictatorship and the repression of human rights. I hope that this monument reminds everyone of the people’s desire for freedom and democracy. May it serve as a reminder so that dark passages in the history of our countries are never repeated, “said the German Ambassador Volker Pellet.
On her side, the mayor of the District, Carolina Mejía, also made reference to the similarity in the history of both countries, in the fight for freedom and democracy.
“As you well pointed out, I also thought about the beautiful coincidence that we will be fulfilling in a very few days, on May 30, 60 years of freedom. Where a group of young people representing many and a country that was oppressed and subjected to that dictatorship, decided to take a step forward and then finally today we enjoy this freedom to speak what we want and to enjoy democracy, thanks to them” she declared.
In a contest carried out by the German embassy, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Dominican artist was searched throughout the country to decorate this historic gift with a work reflecting the victory of freedom, democracy, and human rights. Among the more than 60 proposals submitted, the design of the artist Martín López won, who not only virtuously illustrates that freedom and tolerance are universal values, but also reflects the parallels between German and Dominican history.
This decorative design was printed on the fragment by WallPen GmbH, which used a proprietary technology.