Hastily erected in 1961, the year I was born, the Berlin Wall was all I knew for the first 28 years of my life. Soon (next year) we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its fall.
People were not allowed to cross into the decadent West. Many were shot trying. Demonstrations increased through the 80’s. Here are some before and after shots:
Here is the 1990 photo with James Baker, officially ending the wall.
Today bricks mark the former location of the wall throughout Berlin.
Sections of the wall can be found around the city. Supposed pieces of the true wall are sold at souvenir shops like pieces of the “true cross” were sold in Medieval times.
Checkpoint Charlie is a popular place.
Notice the huge McDonalds at checkpoint Charlie. 
Bishop Michael Rinehart 