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Germany marks 50 years since Berlin Wall erected
Today Germany marks the 50th anniversary since the beginning of the works on the Berlin Wall with solemn ceremonies across the city and the opening of a memorial for its victims.
Bearing the true symbol of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall was erected in Germany and divided the country until 1989.
Today, the country remembers the lives which were lost whilst trying to cross to the West to find food and work, away from communism. At noon, Berlin will observe a minute of silence.
Chancellor Angela Merkel will pay tribute whilst President Christian Wulff will deliver a keynote speech.
Commemorations for the anniversary started last night with a seven-hour reading of the names of those who died trying to cross over the wall.
Soldiers from the East began construction on the morning of 13 August 1961, eventually building a wall that spread for nearly 160km (100 miles).
There were more than 300 watchtowers to prevent escapees.
