German Unity Day Celebration – October 2, 2025, at Old World Village, Huntington Beach
Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled evening at the German Unity Day Celebration 2025! Held at the charming Old World Village in Huntington Beach, this free family event features a live screening of the Ballon movie trailer, a student-led historical presentation, German music, kids’ activities, and a special live interview with escape hero Günter Wetzel.
Claim your free tickets today and celebrate with us!
Program Overview
German Unity Day Celebration – October 2, 2025 – Hosted by GERMAN SCHOOL campus
5:00 – 5:05 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
– Greeting by the German School Campus Director
– Brief words on the significance of October 3rd: unity after division, peace, and freedom
5:05 – 5:10 PM
Live Performance / Singalong
– Live band plays or audience sings the German national anthem
“Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit”
5:10 – 5:15 PM
Mini-Speech / Student Presentation
– Short student-led talk: “Von der Mauer zur Einheit”
Key historical milestones:
• 1945 – End of WWII
• 1961 – Berlin Wall built
• 1989 – Fall of the Wall
• 1990 – German Reunification
Quote reading:
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” – Ronald Reagan
5:25 – 5:35 PM
“Ballon” – Movie Trailer Screening
– Trailer from Ballon by Michael Herbig
– Based on the true story of a daring escape from the GDR in a homemade hot-air balloon
5:35 – 5:50 PM
Live Interview with Günter Wetzel
– Meet the man behind the real escape
– Günter Wetzel shares his experience building the balloon and flying to freedom in 1979
The True Story Behind the Film “Ballon”
The movie trailer featured in our Unity Day program is based on the incredible real-life escape of two families from East Germany in 1979. Using a homemade hot air balloon, they risked their lives to flee the GDR in search of freedom.
One of the escapees, Günter Wetzel, shares the full story of this daring journey on his website. It offers insight into what life was like behind the Iron Curtain — and the courage it took to leave it behind.
Read the full account of the escape here:
Escape from the former East Germany by hot air balloon
Optional Segment
German Music Highlight
– A local band plays “99 Luftballons” or a traditional German folk tune
Family Fun & Kids Activities
– Face painting for kids
– Small treats: pretzels, Haribo, and unity-themed goodies
– Information table with flyers about German School Campus programs
– Group photo with guests and children
