Festive commemoration on the 36th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic and Border Breakthrough
"With this event, the irrepressible desire for freedom arose in the hearts of Hungarians. The Pan-European Picnic and the border crossing that followed became symbolic parts of the peaceful revolution of 1989."
The Municipality of Sopron County and the Pan-European Picnic ‘89 Foundation organized the event together.
"This day Hungary knocked out the first brick of the Berlin Wall".
In his memorial speech, Dr. Ciprián Farkas, mayor of Sopron City with County Rights, emphasized:
On August 19, 1989, not only a Soviet-style border barrier opened at Sopronpuszta, but also an entire era ended definitively. This was the day when Hungary knocked out the first brick of the Berlin Wall. We, Citizens of Sopron have a particularly important responsibility to cultivate and pass on this heritage.
Germany's gratitude is a living one. Julia Gross, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Hungary, recalled:
The events in Sopron led to the fall of the Iron Curtain and the end of the split of Germany. The courage of the Hungarians contributed to the reunification of Europe. Sopron has been a symbol of European solidarity, freedom and unity ever since.
"The desire for freedom arose”
Dr. Attila Barcza, Member of Parliament for Sopron and its region, highlighted the Hungarian people's commitment to freedom:
36 years ago, the Hungarian nation was driven not only by the longing for freedom, but also by another pure feeling: the desire to return to Europe. We Hungarians have always been proud to defend Europe for centuries, and what happened at the Pan-European Picnic is a shining example of this. The Iron Curtain divided Europe for more than four decades, its effects are still felt today and it is our duty to continue to resolve these consequences by peaceful means.
The commemoration ended with flowers placed at the Kopja (carved wooden grave marker), paying tribute to all those who contributed to the reunification of Europe.
The event was attended by Dr. Szabolcs Csiszár, Deputy Mayor, Dr. Tamás Fodor, former mayor, as well as representatives of the Assembly of Sopron City with County Rights, heads of institutions, representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and young participants of the German-Hungarian Summer Academy.
Photos: Ádám Bence Horváth/Sopronmédia
