"Christianity without a doubt belongs in Germany. Judaism without a doubt belongs in Germany. This is our Judeo-Christian history," he said. "And by now, Islam also belongs in Germany."

We cannot allow the making of myths, the hardening of prejudice and exclusion," he said. "To value diversity, close rifts in our society can create real solidarity."

Wulff concluded that "the idea is to make this country a home -- for everyone. This land is our common country, whether from East or West, North or South, and no matter what their origins are."

Before the ceremony, Merkel said in a video podcast that she appreciated the joint efforts made by both the East and the West that help "rebuild (the country) so quickly and make Germany a respected country in the world."

In central Berlin, large-scale entertainment programs were ready in front of Brandenburg Gate, a symbolic building of the city and a key "witness" of the Berlin Wall's falling in 1989. The main streets and square near the Gate has opened to Berliners to have a night party.

Like in past years, thousands of left-wing activists demonstrated before the anniversary, mostly in Bremen this year, in a peaceful way, to show their opposition to the unification. Police said they have strengthened the security in major cities like Bremen and Berlin, and some 3,000 officers were deployed in the celebration site of Bremen.
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