Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Ray A. Letteer, Fort Belvoir, VA — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:56:35 GMT

As a member of the US military stationed in Berlin at that time (1982-1990), today's anniversary reopened a flood of memories. I can remember the "brefreiungsgeld" and the long lines of East Berliners at the Aldi stores. I remember the heady celebration of getting hosed by the East Germans as we danced on the wall. I also remember taking our family (four sons, two born in Berlin) to plant a tree by a small pond in what was blocked by a portion of the wall near our home in Dueppel just a few weeks before. I have three very large painted chunks of the wall still...one on my desk at work and two in my office at home. Alles guete an meine brudern und schwestern im Berlin an dieses Hochtzeit!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Mike Faust — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:05:52 GMT

Isn't it amazing how quickly people forget? Not only in Germany, but in the USA as well. We go about our daily lives, without considering those who made and still make the sacrifices that make our daily lives possible. I forget who said it, but it's true....those who don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it. Isn't that mankinds history? Repeating the same mistakes of the past.

Even today in the USA, we aren't allowed to view photos of the towers or the destruction that came on us that day. Many Americans have forgetten how it felt already. And our politicans only consider what political gains they can make off those who died on 9/11. It all just makes me want to cry and at the same time....it makes me angry!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

JL Lewis — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:16:45 GMT

PLEASE bring back the "Cold War". The world was better off. How many American corporations "downsized" during the "Cold War"? It seems that when the United States has a "outside" threat, things in the US is almost status quo.
First the world has The International Communist Conspiracy, now it is the International Capatialist Conspiracy. Is the world better off now or before?

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

s thompson Tracy CA — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:17:08 GMT

The USA needs to buy up the old wall and install it at the border with mexico

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Lewis, Portland, Oregon — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:22:22 GMT

Funny, I'll never forget my trip to Berlin...staying at the Westin Grand Berlin on the former East side, just a few blocks up from Checkpoint Charlie. And walking down to the Brandenburg Gate at night with the soft, silent, snow falling....covering, quieting. But I must say that the chic jewelry, shopping, and leather stores cast a shadow of ickiness in and of themselves. Seasons change.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

John, Los Angeles — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:25:21 GMT

I stood on the Wall on December 31, 1989. My sense at the time was that the euphoria was derived from the end of the division of the city of Berlin more than the nation of Germany. As I described it to people, imagine a wall down the middle of Broadway in New York. When given the chance, New Yorkers would have dismantled the wall and reunited the city as fast as possible. It is natural to expect Berliners to do the same. I think the brick strip is a great way to remind people as they drive over it and hear the double "kerthunk" how the Berlin Wall disrupted and corrupted a single city in everyday life.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Syed Muzaffar Shah, Peshawar, Pakistan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:39:12 GMT

My asvice to the ex east germans is that,"love your freedom what ever the cost as there is no substitute for it" May i ask the german goverment as to why it is present in afghanistan and iraq, towing the american line when so much discrimination exist between the ex east germans and the others

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Rick, Galesburg, Illinois — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:41:18 GMT

My world and everything I was taught to believe in college changed when teh Wall came down. I was a Political Science major at a major American University. We were taught from day one that the Communists would never, ever freely give up power. It was an Iron Law that the East would forever be communist. And that this man Gorbachev was some upstart who would be replaced if he proceeded to far. That year, one by one the Communiosts governments seem simply to pack up and go home with little blood shed. My Political Science world and all the stuff in it was turned up side down. When I graduated, no one wanted to hire me because I was taught under the old belief system which failed to predict the reality. I should have majored in Biology.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Burke Miller, Greenville, SC — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:44:03 GMT

eBay.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Kim Whitmyre — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:46:04 GMT

You can see a piece of the wall at Frank Lloyd Wright's "Kentuck Knob" house in South Western Pennsylvania. The British Lord who owns it, Peter Palumbo, an "architecture collector," has a sculpture trail on the grounds that includes the Berlin Wall segment.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Tim W — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:05:21 GMT

There is a piece of the Berlin Wall in one of the men's rooms at the Main Street Station Hotel in Las Vegas. No kidding!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Emily, Columbus, Ohio — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:19:40 GMT

There is a piece of the Berlin wall at Capital University which is in Columbus, Ohio. It is a huge piece, and it still have the original graffti on it and bullet holes. It was really fasinating.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Vicki Yaussi, Longmont, Colorado — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:25:44 GMT

I would think that the East German's feelings of being "second-class" will subside eventually....just lots of patience and more time for adjustment! It seems only natural!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jane, Twin Cities,Minnesota — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:32:04 GMT

My dad was in the Military over in Germany when the wall went up and I was a 22yr old Military Wife stationed in Germany when the wall came down< I was there a week after, Still have chunks of the wall in a box. Has it been 18 years? wow

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

don lawson fulton mo 65251 — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:35:32 GMT

part of the berlin wall is at westminster college in fulton mo. this is where chirchill gave his iron curtain speech

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Timothy Bryant, Covington, Texas — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:07:32 GMT

There is an old saying in Texas... "Good fences make good neighbors." It is sad that a nation's failed policies included attempting to fence in their populace. That was the Berlin Wall. Here in Texas, we must "fence out" the invasion of those folks who live under similar Cold War politics. Sorry folks, go back home and change your own country. We in America will gladly help you!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bonnie Teigum — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:07:46 GMT

My daughter and partner gave three small sizes rock to them this summer. They just said that it was the Wall, and gave a write document. Free! From the Berlin Wall. Don't know, but they believe they took from the wall.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

James, Levittown, Pa. — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:14:46 GMT

Good story, I think West Germany should use some of it's money and build industry in the east so more East Germans can have jobs and share in the dream of a unified Germany. I wonder if their feelings of being second class citizens is real or just a feeling of inferiority with the west.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Dale, Portland, OR — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:01:09 GMT

I have a piece............

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Daniel Schlafer — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:15:45 GMT

To quote John Mellencamp, " The wall came tumbling down ." Let us hope that the number one sign of the Cold War never rises anywhere in the world again ? Let us compare what happened to Germany after World War I and II ? The Allied victors in World War I, imposed such harsh economic restrictions that it allowed a psychopath to get 32 % of the vote. That was all he ever needed ! The Allied victors in World War II, went to occupation. What did we get ? The Cold War ! The Berlin Wall ! The nuclear age ! Let us hope that Germany never starts a war again ? That was the one thing I came back from my only trip certain that would never happen ! Democracy was good for West Germany. Someday all of Germany will prosper.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Ziply, Oak Ridge, TN — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:34:10 GMT

I know where a tiny piece of the Wall is -- in a friend of mine's living room!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Red Bear, Big Spring, Texas — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:38:57 GMT

I saw a section of the wall in Eureka Springs Arkansas. It had just been placed and there were small fragments that had fallen off. The masons let me take the fallen of chips. I keep them in a small heart shaped porcelin box from Bavaria.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Elizabeth Martin, Clarkesville, Ga. — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:47:47 GMT

I remember driving to my home in Atlanta from a meeting that evening in late 1989, when I heard on WSB radio that people were tearing down the Berlin wall. I ran into the house calling out the news to my husband, who had not yet heard it. I yelled, "Hasn't ANYBODY heard? I've been driving for 20 minutes since it came on the radio, and I've seen no reaction. People should be excited; we should be dancing in the streets! Where IS everybody? It's dark and quiet out there, and it's not even late!"

He answered, "If we go out to dance and scream on the cul de sac, people will think we're crazy!" I conceded, and we did'nt do it; but I have regretted it ever since. I feel as strongly now as I did then that we Americans should have realized immediately how momentous an occasion it was and given it a proper celebration. It seemed to take days for awareness of the news to seep into the public consciousness, and by then it was touted as "old news."

I was glad to hear that, later, many people went to retrieve scraps of the wall for souveniers. It told me that not everyone was oblivious, although I sure did wonder for a while.

It saddens me to realize that, now, we Americans are building a wall (not to keep Americans in, but to keep others out), but it still is a wall of separation, even if Homeland Security calls it a "fence." I have seen part of it, and it sure looked like a wall to me! I pray that we as a nation can grow to the level where we can deal with our neighbors in positive, productive ways, without building barriers between "us" and "them." If the free movement of goods between nations is beneficial to the world economy, why wouldn't the free movement of people (especially workers) be equally beneficial?

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

John, Nashville, TN — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:51:39 GMT

Well, I suppose they now know what it was like to be a Southerner for several years after the American Civil War ...

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bob Smith — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:57:24 GMT

they are re-building it around the U.S. thats where the Berlin Wall is

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Don Boyer, Waialua, Hawaii — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:14:59 GMT

I find it interesting that the walls people can build in their minds and lives can outlast walls such as the one in Berlin and be even more divisive.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Mrs W Evans CO — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:17:07 GMT

Back at the fall of the Berlin wall, a coworker of mine happened to be vacationing in Europe. After waiting a few days for things to settle down, she and her family went to see the now crumbled wall. They brought home a large concrete chunk (of the wall) which they broke into small pieces, and she gave other coworkers and me pieces of it when she returned to work. My piece had obviously had graffiti sprayed on it. I thought it was pretty cool to have such a (small) piece in the history of freedom!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Cleave — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:17:20 GMT

Two small sections of The Wall are on the grounds of Kentuck Knob, a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which is located in southwestern Pennsylvania. The house is fewer than ten miles away from the spectacular Fallingwater.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Wendy, Southern Thailand — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:17:28 GMT

I was a 20-year-old soldier stationed in Weisbaden, Germany, serving in the U.S. Army, when "the wall came down." It was such an exciting and exhilarating time of history to be an eyewitness to. I remember driving into what was still East Germany, marvelling at the differences between the West and the East side. Euphoric is no overstatement. I also visited Russia during those perestroika years, and the cities I visited were giddy with hope and excitement. What a happy moment of history to have experienced in those times; I was too young to realize just how much of a privilege it was!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Kevin Bengtson, Tiskilwa, IL — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:23:58 GMT

God...I sure do miss that city! I was stationed in Berlin from late 1989 (right before the Wall came down) until 1992 and I loved every minute of it. It's funny...being young and dumb, I really didn't realize how important the times were...I just thought it was a great party! But now that I am a teacher, I often talk about the wonderful spirit of the German people and their quest for unity...and also what a unique opportunity it was for me to be there as a witness.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bertha Barlow, Kirksville, MO — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 07:22:22 GMT

re Berlin Wall. I recrently saw the portion of it was removed to the Churchill Memorial in Fulton, Missouri, by the grand daughter of Winston Churchil.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Randy Biro, Vancouver B.C. — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:39:33 GMT

I feel that a lottery over a few short years would have been a far better way of letting these folks through the wall. To have one's life completely turned around such as it was may not have been the best way. There were way too many people flooding the streets of western germany at the same time. This was great for employers because they could lower their pay rates. Yes, the dismantling of the wall, and all it stood for was very necessary. It was just done the wrong way. As best as I can see, it was done the worst way possible. It left a bad taste in both, the eastern germans, and western german's mouth. to this day, and for many decades to come, there is going to be many dissatisfied people from either side. As for those from the east that have issues with the freedom that was so freely given to them, they can take advantage of what freedom gives them. They are free to leave and even go to a country, such as Cuba, if they miss their rights being violated at every corner. Take care and for both sides, be grateful for what has been given to you. Life is way too short to be focusing on the bad things.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

D.Smith Grand Forks,N.D. — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:53:19 GMT

...Said wall is being reconstructed in the southern portion of the United States....there along the border of Mexico...It could be deemed "Bush's Barrier".

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

susan Loeppky wonju, gangwon do Korea — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:18:01 GMT

there is a small section of the wall in Seoul at Chungechun near City Hall.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

pedro gonzalez 136w 170st #3a bronx ny 10452 — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:35:17 GMT

well,i do believe that the case of south and north Korea is different in part to the one of Germany when the Berlin wall was build up by the Soviet Union, that different is that the center of the American Vision,wish is a universal goverment,bigin with the reunification of Germany wish is the hart of Europe,the agenda of Norte America do not have the unification of Korea as a priority.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Linda Gooding, Cadiz, Ohio — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:48:38 GMT

I was privledged to own a small piece of "The Wall." When a friend of my son's was going over there to visit his exchge. student's family, he asked what he could bring me. I said, "A piece of history-the wall." I was in H.S. when it went up, so was caught up in its' meaning. It now holds a place of honor in my china cabinet in my dining room & I bring it out to show friends/visitors including a Japanese exchge. student we had for a short time.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

D Davis, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:34:17 GMT

I have a piece of the Berlin Wall. My parents were living in Germany when the "wall fell" and went during those days of rejoicing to visit the tumbled wall. My dad picked up a piece and brought it home to me on a subsequent vist to the states. The piece I have is about the size of my hand and has the remains of a peace symbol on it. I displayed it proudly for yeas on my mantle until I found the wall contains asbestos. I put it in a plastic bag and hid it away.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Daryl Tammelin — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:40:32 GMT

I was stationed at the Berlin Wall back in 1972. It was such a hard believing shock to actually see it , knowing that the imprisioned people on the other side were shut off from the rest of the world.A country in soletary confinment.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Sharon, Michigan's Upper Peninsula — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:07:09 GMT

If people realized how innovative the people of the former `Eastern Germany' were and are; remembering that these people had so little to work with and had to improvise for most everything, if things broke down, they had to make it work somehow, more of these hard working people from that area would be employed by large companies as there is no better experience than real life, and the difficult times they had to work through their entire life span, (for some). This would make the former `Eastern German People' the smartest and most hard working in the lands! A work ethic is the most important and where I live the people have the very hard working attitude as well, small community of very hard working personnel, very dependable people to employ!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Chuck Boster, Pomfret, Connecticut — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:47:30 GMT

Visited Berlin in August and came away very impressed with the “new” Berlin. We were treated very well and the tourist information was useful. Our hotel was a couple blocks from Check Point Charlie and our subway stop. So we visited “Charlie” a couple times a day. This has become a major, significant German tourist site. Was surprised at the German families showing their kids all the details and, it appeared, educating the younger generation as to the Wall’s importance. If you walk a block right of “Charlie” you will find a long section of the wall that is still intact (behind a fence to keep the “pickers” from taking the wall apart). This section of the wall gave me a very menacing feeling – an echo of what it may have been like at one time.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Paul, New Jersey, USA — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:55:33 GMT

21 percent felt that life was better before unification? These people are probably all that's left of STASI and the SED.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Randy — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:50:24 GMT

My parents drove through check point Charlie in the early 70's and descibed soldiers pointing machine guns at them as they began to leave. A silent symbol that if they had taken any East German stowaways with them, they would be shot. They also described cars being practically dismantled in harrassment searches, and people's lugguage strewn about. One can only imagine what the people who lived there went through. It's tearing down was way overdue.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Diane Smith, West Palm Beach, FL — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:54:33 GMT

I was there Nov 8th, 9th and 10th, while in the military. Our group painted our unit symbol of 93rd Signal Brigade on the wall on the 8th, then on the 9th, we watched as the crane took out Check Point Charlie and the gates opened. Thousands of people on both sides. I have several pieces of the wall in glass jars that I rented a pick/hammer from a local and hacked away at the wall. The reason for the glass jars is that the wall was built with asbestos in it. I even have video of the whole scene on all the days, even me picking on the wall.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Oscar Crescente, Cumaná, Venezuela — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:04:26 GMT

It will soon be 20 years from that day that marked the end of communism in Europe, but here in Venezuela we are quickly approaching to a new communist state!! God may have mercy on us

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Sheree McClernan Burkesville, Kentucky — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:34:11 GMT

PRAISE GOD FOR THE FREEDOMS WE HAVE IN THE USA.
No persons, whatever ethnicity they are, should be forced to live behind a wall, whether visible or invisible.
Sheree McClernan, Kentucky

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Nick, San Diego, CA — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:07:28 GMT

Am I the only one who sees the irony of Gorbachev modeling in a LV ad? I suppose he did help bring the Communist reign to an end, however he was still a Communist. I guess the intervening years turned him from communist secretary to capitalist model?

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Patricia L Hammons, CA — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:19:41 GMT

Seams we find the cracks in this cistern with every breath. Although I have a west german ancestry from my father who was born in Kentucky, I am also welsh(english?), mothers side in virginia, FFV, but I have refused to rebuild that mountain. The low road always looks up sir. To try and use any physical barrier from our beginnings is to pronounce the guilt in our part of creating it. Genesis 34:19

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Geo Wilson — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:20:50 GMT

You who says that we need to buy up the wall and install it along our southern border. You don't know that a hell of a lot of americans live in mexico and a hell of a lot more have to buy there legal drugs there because of the medical that doesn't work in the USA. And don't forget those drugs that you all use up there in the name of just fun (It isn't hurting anybody) well guess what I would hate to see your party put on hold. You people when you talk about Mexico you don't have a clue. It is the richest country in the world per capital. America doesn't have any laws or rules, just what gets them off at the time. When was the last time you ever did anything for America. Or about your laws. From a person who tires of hearing complaints from dummys and non actavist. what ever on the spell check.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Carol Henry — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:25:11 GMT

Some pieces of the wall are in a glass enclosed exhibit in Fatima, Portugal. I just returned from there and saw it myself.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Tom V, North Dakota — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:25:41 GMT

I was stationed in Berlin from Oct 89 to Dec 90. Seeing the wall come down, Germany reunify, and Germany winning the World Cup were some of the most amazing events. Also Roger Waters on the Wall happened during that time. That was one of the best years of my life. I have 2 pieces of the Wall painted with the Berlin Brigade patch and Swift Strike Battlion crest (and dated). Our platoon went and got pieces during Sgt's time training. Ich Leibt Deutschland und Berlin!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Alastair Crook,Devon,England. — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:26:27 GMT

I was stationed in Berlin with the British Army from 1975-1977,and can remember looking across at the East German Boarder Guards and giving them a wave,I cannot remember any of them waving back though.Also as we patrolled around the wall,we passed the crosses where people had died trying to get to the West,don't forget that.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

B.D. in Indianapolis — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:28:17 GMT

Syed Muzaffar Shah wrote: "My asvice to the ex east germans is that, 'love your freedom what ever the cost as there is no substitute for it.' May i ask the german goverment as to why it is present in afghanistan and iraq, towing the american line?"

Sir, if you honestly can't understand what America and other nations are doing in Afghanistan, you need to review a videotape of 9/11. Or Google other incidents (Bali, Madrid, London, etc., etc.) in which Islamic radicals deliberately killed innocent civilians.

To do nothing when your nation has been unjustly attacked is the same as waving the white flag -- and if you value freedom as much as you claim, you should understand that.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Wally — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:37:16 GMT

I was in Berlin from 75-78 and flew the wall muliple times every week in a helicopter. The difference was like watching a movie. 1/2 in color, 1/2 in black and white. 1/2 in full life, 1/2 was dying. Could it be that the 20% of former East Germans that are not too happy are the 20% who where in positions of authority over the other 80% of everyday people?
I have barbed wire from the original "wall". I would love to have a piece of that wall. By the way, the Berliners were wonderful people. I'll always love them.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Mark Claussner, West Chicago, Illinois — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:46:43 GMT

Four years before the wall came down, I was in the DDR visiting family. The tears that were being shed because they felt that they would never be free were heart breaking. As a 19 year old optimist I said that," In 5 years you will be free" My family gave me a dismissive look and said no. The Ossies were of course very lucky,but the really lucky S.O.B's were the members of the Stasi and goverment that were ruthless and were never punished.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

David Thomas, Las Vegas, NV — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:56:29 GMT

The Berlin Wall was never just a pile of cement, it was a grim reality that cut through the psyche of every German, both East and West. As long as people who lived through that Cold War era are still alive, the Wall will never really be gone - just a memory that grows dimmer every year.
I can remember climbing an overlook tower on the West side of the Wall with a guy who had escaped the East a few years prior. Through letters, he had made arrangements for his sister in the East to bring her newborn daughter to other side at an arranged time. He waved, she waved. He had brought his binoculars and got his first glance of his niece and was able to see a tear in his sister's eye, and he too shed a tear.
That is the Berlin Wall I will remember - not a cement structure.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Gianfranco, Lafayette, CO — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:07:43 GMT

It's here in America alla the patriot act, military commissions act, and presidential directive 51.

Vote Ron Paul take down this wall!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Stephanie, Austin Texas — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:15:39 GMT

My husband and I recently spent part of our honeymoon in Berlin, and loved the warmth and energy of the City. On our wanderings we discovered a portion of the Wall on display at the entrance to a shopping mall in West Berlin. Later, we found a branch of a major US coffee giant within eyesight of Checkpoint Charlie. Those of us who have lived in a capitalist country all of our lives take the comodification of history for granted, but I'm imagining it feels a little weird to someone who grew up in the East.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

emilie Lima Ohio — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:21:08 GMT

I lived in Berlin-Spandau from 1972 to 1976 and had many experiences pertaining to the wall. When it came down in 1989, I stood in front of the TV watching CNN with tears streaming down my cheeks. I never expected to see it come down in my lifetime. It seems that we have not learned from history. The Israilis are building a wall on the West Bank and after seeing pictures of it from a friend who visited there, I was astonished at how much it looked like the Berlin Wall. Families divided, check points to go through, and having to travel out of your way just to avoid the wall. A wall between the US and Mexico will make it harder for Mexicans to cross the border but it will not stop them (I wish I would have kept track of all the escapes I heard about in Berlin when I was there). Walls are not the answer, they are part of the problem.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

John Ruseckas, Golden Valley, Arizona — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:25:26 GMT

Here's a view from a vantage point that might be considered "different." I am a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. English is my fourth language, inasmuch as I was born in Lithuania (1938), grew up in Germany (1944-1950) and had many occasions during the Cold War to spend time there. It is fair to say that I became an involved observer of the "Passing Parade" of those tragic and turbulent times.

In late 1ate 1988 I had an opportunity to meet with a distant lithuanian relative, and very good ancient friend of my parents, whom they had been unable to have any contact with for about 45 years. Under Gorby's "perestroika" he had obtained permission to visit the USA in that year and wound up in Flagstaff, Arizona visiting my parents when I showed up. He was a member of the communist party, and had actually done not too badly under that system, in stark contrast to most other members of my large extended family that he edeavoured to materially help as best he could. He was very knowledgeable of Soviet politics and it was fascinating to hear him dicuss it.

In my view in late 1988, the USSR was in the final stages of complete disintegration. Physical political acts implemented by Mikhail Gorbachiov were of a nature that neither he nor anyone else could either undo, or control, in my then then opinion.

When I explained this view my lithuanian relative ceased to consider me a rational companion in political discourse. It was painful to experience this, but it was not a feeling I was unfamiliar with. I had already found that in order to establish one's credentials as a rational political being, as opposed to being considered some sort of "dreamer," or other kind of "weirdo," one had to, in those days, make a statement at some point to the effect that one realized that "communism is here to stay." The alternative was to be considered a "non-participant" in rational discourse.

I will never forget a segment of the McNeil Lehrer Report sometime in late 1989 (just after the "Wall" came down) when William Shirrer, author of the celbrated "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" was a guest of the show. He was of course eminently qualified to write such a book inasmuch as he was a former foreign correspondent for Time during all the crucial years of Hitler's Reich and knew all the key actors personally. He was asked on McNeil Lehrer if he had "seen it coming," refering to the collapse of the wall. He said that he hadn't. He of course was not alone. The White House hadn't seen it coming. The CIA hadn't seen it coming. etc., etc. etc. So he was asked if he knew of anyone that had seen it coming. He said: "yes, there were some who had seen it coming, but none of them had any credibility." He was talking about me.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Cyndi Ramirez, Dayton, OH — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:28:06 GMT

I was stationed in Germany in the Air Force when the wall was up and when it was torn down. I remember I had to do flag orders in order for US military and their families to travel to Berlin. They had so many minutes to get from one point to another. One military family got turned away because their windows on their van were tinted. The flag orders had to be perfect or else they would be turned away. I also have a piece of the wall.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Rocky Porter Jr. Elmira NY — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:40:11 GMT

"those who don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it." previously mentioned by Mike Faust

i believe it was albert einstein? im prolly wrong so dont quote me on that

i was only 5 years old in 89 but i remember watching it on the news the day it came down and even as alittle kid i followed the news because of my fathers influence (and the news being on constantly) now that im 22 i understand even better the complexity of the world at the time and that the wall coming down was a historic symbol and i am glad to have lived threw that and be able to atleast witness it on tv

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Carol Kirk, Rayleigh, UK — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:01:40 GMT

I got two small pieces!! you can see the graffiti on them

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bell — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:21:48 GMT

I saw one piece of the Wall is at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum in Semi Valley, CA. Due to his involvement of helping assist the dismantling of the Soviet Union during his presidency. The portion of wall at his museum has a picture of a butterfly on it, resembling the "rebirth" or "metamorphosis" of Germany.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Cloud Morris — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:37:12 GMT

Unless I've been suckered, there appears to be a genuine piece of the wall on the waterfront here in Portland, Maine. It's about the size of a mattress and there is some great graffiti on it, including the line "The Party is Over", presumably placed there by the people who helped to tear it down.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Martin Buren — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:06:47 GMT

I understand that a large piece of the Wall is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (of all places) at the Kilpatrick Center.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Chris Sturdevant — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:12:35 GMT

More reason to support the Cold War Museum
www.coldwar.org

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Cathy, Columbus, Ohio — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:15:07 GMT

When working in Washington DC, I saw a large piece of the Wall in the Ronald Regan building near the National Aquarium. It is fitting to be in that building with a quote "tear down this wall," from the man who encouraged reunification.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Fred Sheffield, Belvidere, IL — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:22:16 GMT

I had the privilege to see the wall in Berlin in December of 1989 only weeks after the protests that led to the reunification of Germany. I was a 21 year old Army soldier at the time and will never forget it. Especially the faces of the East Germans that crossed the barrier for the first time. They were so overjoyed and bubbly with enthusiasm. They were eager to talk to Americans. However, when we crossed Checkpoint Charlie to the eastern side they would not stop to talk to us out of fear of being watched by eastern intelligence. I have my piece of the wall plus pictures and memories that will last a lifetime. One day I must return.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jon — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:12:48 GMT

A small piece of it resides on my mantle, a gift from a friend who was in Berlin then, his wife was stationed there. It's one of those things that sits there mostly unnoticed and then something draws your eye there, and you remember what it was like then

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

David Melcher — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:21:52 GMT

I was in Gemany 1955-1957, saw that East and West Germany were divided and spent time in West Berlin. Glad that the country is one with no walls. Our early ancestors were of German heritage and glad they never saw the wall or even had an idea that the country would become divided because of "stupid man thoughts".

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

M Wilson — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:41:03 GMT

Hello? Pieces of the wall are all over the world!
I have a big chunk of it at my house, German graffiti covered. Why does anyone care? It is gone... Get real
people.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

john carthage mo — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:53:08 GMT

I would go for buying up the old wall and putting up at the mexican boarder to keep the nasty bug ridden dogs on their side

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

humphrmi, Chicago, Illinois — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:57:18 GMT

For those of you who may have read Mike Faust's comment above ("Even today in the USA, we aren't allowed to view photos of the towers or the destruction that came on us that day. ") his commentary couldn't be further from the truth. Nobody prevents anyone from viewing photos of the Twin Towers, there is no law against it in the U.S., and many websites have videos of the destruction.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

John Jacksonville, FL — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:17:16 GMT

I find this bizarre (the following) as the answers fail to present themselves to me. I have a piece of The Berlin wall and feel "at ease" with this. Hundreds if not thousands lost their life’s in attempts of freedom, visiting family members "on the other side" and more acts in the attempts to cross. I do not have one flake of an ash from 9/11 nor would I ever want one as a symbolic measure to history. This is what I do not understand, why I am ill-fated against owning a piece of our own soil however at ease with a foreign piece. I believe I can only justify it that one act is freedom and the other terrorism.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Stuart, Eugene, Oregon — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:41:49 GMT

I was stationed in Bavaria when the wall came down - my best memory is the sudden flood of Trabis now flowing down the Autobahn, worldly possessions strapped to the top, like caravans of Gypsies. The Ossies were so afraid that it wouldn't last, they poured across while they could, then trickled back when reunification finally happened.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Andrew, Texas — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:14:23 GMT

[Freedom] There are two 7-ton 'sister' sculptures (12-ft tall, 18-ft wide) of five horses running through rubble left by the wall.

One of the sculptures "is a gift of friendship from the American people to the people of Germany. The second or "American" casting is permanently displayed in the central courtyard of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, adjacent to the campus of Texas A&M University."

URL: http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/museum/museum_tour/sculpture.php

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash.) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:17:12 GMT

I own 4 miles of the wamm

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Sharon Giese, Norwalk, CT — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:21:56 GMT

I was in Berlin last May and found the few remnants of the wall hugely moving, walking in no man's land emotional, and Checkpoint Charlie disturbing (even with the tourists). The Checkpoint Charlie museum does not let you forget how it was and should be a required visit. I don't think we forget, as much as we don't talk about it.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

JayKay — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:28:20 GMT

James wrote "Good story, I think West Germany [sic, West Germany ceased to exist in 1989] should use some of it's [sic: s/b ITS] money and build industry in the east so more East Germans can have jobs and share in the dream of a unified Germany. I wonder if their feelings of being second class citizens is [sic, s/b ARE] real or just a feeling of inferiority with the west."

I've just recently returned from a trip to Saxony, where my wife's family lived, and Berlin, where my daughter lives. The German government **IS** pouring billions of euros into revitalization and has been doing so since reunification! New housing, stores, and factories are going up all over. I have a picture of a section of Berlin with TEN tower cranes in about a 4-block area. Most cars are Audis, Mercedes, VWs, and Volvos - no more Trabis.

But the fact is, eastern Germany came out of 12 years of Nazi depravity only to be sucked into the Soviet orbit for another 4 decades. It's going to take a lot more than 17 years of work to undo the damage committed by those obscene regimes.

What does shake me is the level of "Ostalgie" ("nostalgia for the East") that still exists. As one small example, I stumbled on a shop just inside the old eastern zone that sold original and replica uniforms of Soviet and DDR soldiers as if they were Halloween costumes. Would an American store last 5 minutes if it sold, say, plantation-owner outfits or slave-trader memorabilia?? I wanted to plaster the area with copies of Franklin's famous statement that "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety".

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Kyle, Chicago, IL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:32:22 GMT

There is a piece in Ronald Reagan's hometown of Dixon, IL as well.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

skareta, Ukraine — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:53:18 GMT

I was there in Berlin a couple of weeks ago. Charlie's point and the block of the wall... I tried hard to imagine how it must have been in the days when the wall was up and... with all the new look and feel of Berlin I found it really hard to do.
I think the world and Germany have changed way too much since then that today it is really hard to relate to those days, even though it's "only" been 18 years.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

FV,Tampa, FL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:30:08 GMT

I have two pieces that I chipped out of it in 1990 sitting downstairs in my living room. I remember I got them right after the Wall Concert.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Dawn, Vernon, NY — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:46:47 GMT

I had just entered basic training when the wall came down. Being cut off from most outside news, an announcement was made that the wall was coming down. Everyone cheered although I'm not sure most of them truly understood what they were cheering for other than the idea of freedom.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Rebecca Staley, Blacklick, Ohio — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:05:16 GMT

Ich Bin Ein Berliner. The colorful pieces I have of the Wall remind me of the colourful people I know there.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

pat meierhenry, lincoln, ne — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:17:52 GMT

We were in Germany the following year, @ Oktoberfest when some families celebrated together after many years apart. We were in the Black Forest on National Reconciliation Day. I don't know about the "work ethic" in the East; our guide lamented the fact that all the rubble from the war was still there!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Ken McAllen, TX — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:18:42 GMT

"Even today in the USA, we aren't allowed to view photos of the towers or the destruction that came on us that day."

Maybe I don't understand what your saying, but, I really can't go along with that. I just did a search and I got a video that showed the impact. Of course we can.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Dave Nicholson, Yarmouth, NS, Canada — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:31:38 GMT

I've visited Berlin many times since the Wall fell and there still is a "mauer in Der Kauf" among many Easterners and Westerners in Berlin. It will take many, many years for the Berliners to come to terms with the Wall no longer there. Most of my friends in Berlin, Berliners born, are of mixed emotions about the wall being gone. The West has had to pay a tremendous amount of money for unification, and the East has many, many who do feel second-class. What does the future hold? The Berliners will have to answer that.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

M LaPierre, San Diego, CA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:39:20 GMT

I was just beginning my first trip around Europe and had to pass thru East Berlin by train in late November. All the blinds of the windows on the train had to be pulled down while in the station and we weren't allowed to leave the train. You could see guards with guns and German Sheppards through the cracks in the blinds. Later in January (now 1990), I returned to Berlin (west) and walked along what parts hadn't been torn down yet. You could still visit Checkpoint Charlie and get your passport stamped. I have several small pieces in a box with my pictures.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Gary O'Connell , Albuquerque , New Mexico , USA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:47:19 GMT

Some say fences/walls make good neighbors , I say it keeps out friends.
I have a few hunks of the wall , as I was there during the day.
I show them to my grandkids , and remind them of how stupid smart people can be in times of stress and fear. When a wall/fence is put up , there is a reason , and that reason has to be fixed.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Ken, McAllen TX — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 03:03:37 GMT

I am so glad that we are not a censored society and we can view the despicable pictures and videos of September 11. These scenes should be shown more to remind our people of the evil that we are subject. There seems to be so many that wants to forget the past. But, as has been said before, if we do we will relive it.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

James Paulie, Finger Lakes, NY — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:38:46 GMT

T Bryant of Texas, that "texas saying" is from a poet who has never even got close to texas. Just for the record.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Dad man, Atl, GA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:55:28 GMT

In 2001 I saw some remains of that "prison wall" that divided Berlin. I showed it to my kids and we visited the Haus Am Checkpoint Charlie. I explained that it grew in earnest about the time I was born, 1962. Even in the 60's that wall disturbed something deep inside my parents(just an average American couple in Delaware). I don't know exactly why but it bothered them deeply, they spoke of it often.
When I finally saw it in person I was witness to a striking moment. A Police Officer was shooing an old couple away from some remains of that wall. They had a small hammer and they were chipping away at the wall; a local told me that this couple does this every day and the same officer usually sends them home. The old man stated that there are walls and gates all over Berlin but ONLY this wall was built to imprison! Those other walls were built to protect. The older walls defended his city, this wall only divided him from his brothers and sisters. He railed loudly at that monstrosity and tears welled in his eyes for his friends and family who were sequestered from him behind it. "I lost my family behind it, you see! Everyone who is important to me, all gone." he pleaded, "before it fell, they died behind it; imprisoned!" "They were stolen from me!"
The officer assured me the couple would return tomorrow as he knew them well. The Officer said he was sure that so long as he was well enough the old gentleman would continue his self-imposed task, to remove that wall.
I hope that old man lives a thousand years, for sadly I'm sure we will forget without him.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Scott, Phoenix Arizona — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:06:55 GMT

The Berlin Wall, up until the day it was torn down, was ever present during my childhhood, teenage, young adult and adult years. It had always been representative of that frightening invisible wall between the Eastern Bloc Countries and the Western world, including the U.S. When the wall came down, I sat and cried tears of joy while watching the event on TV. I was 36 years old at time. I only wish I could've been there to feel the joy and exhilaration of the German people from both sides of the wall. It is a day I will always remember as a momentous change in the history of our world.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

L. Nichols, Portland, Oregon — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:09:06 GMT

I, too have a piece, packaged in a nifty souvenir box with a certificate of auhenticity that I think my parents bought for me at the Reagan library of all places. I also have a picture of me in front of the western side of the wall as an exchange student living in Germany in 1985. During my time there I visited East Germany as well. It was a view of the world that changed my isolated-growing-up-in-southern-california life.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Sio. Pittsburg Ca. — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:36:05 GMT

Freedom rings, no matter how strong communism exists, when the right time comes, no one can stop it.I wish I had a piece from the Berlin wall.And how long that unseen wall between North and South Korea gonna still keep those love ones apart.There must be a Gobachev around.No worry: The rest will do the same.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

David Gaddy Conway,Ar — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 07:08:59 GMT

There is a piece of the Wall embedded in a giant sun-dial at the foot of the Broadway bridge in North Little Rock,Ar

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Thomas Hill — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:30:42 GMT

Too Oscar : There is only one way to save your country , Fight it what ever it takes!
God Bless

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Linda Miller — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:09:40 GMT

My ex was an officer in the Berlin Brigade from 1979 to 1984. We used to cross over at Checkpoint Charlie to go to East Berlin every few months. The difference between the two Berlins was incredible. There were buildings in the East that still showed signs of the destruction of World War II, while the West was beautiful. I remember eating dinner at the Hotel StadtBerlin in East Berlin and being served bacon grease to spread on my bread instead of butter. I also remember traveling to Steinstucken, a small village that was outside the main city of Berlin but had been given to Berlin centuries ago. When the Berlin wall went up, the villages built thier own wall around themselves stating that they were part of West Berlin. This village was serviced by a helicopter airlift long after the Berlin airlift was over, until a wall was finally built down both sides of the road going to Steinstucken. I was too pregnant to travel to Berlin in 1995 to see the Wall come down. But my ex went back on business shortly after and came home with some junks. It was kind of interesting -- some African refugees were making money by renting hammers so people could chip off their own bit of the wall. From a symbol of communism to free enterprise.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Karen, Bedford MA and Galveston TX — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:29:01 GMT

The very existence of the Berlin wall for so many years was an affront to the freedoms of choice and travel that this nation holds dear. The 'American Wall' is just as much of an affront. It might stop the flow of those who are half-hearted in their desire to to come here; but it will not stop those who are desparate to come because there is no work in their Mexican town and their kids are hungry. We need a rational immigration policy that will be effective in legally bringing in new and potential citizens at a reasonably rapid pace but will not allow illegal immigrants to function as full citizens with full rights to benefits. Good walls do not make good neighbors; they make angry people on both sides. Just as East Germans risked life and limb to cross the Berlin wall; our neighbors to the south will find a way across the American Wall.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Chris, Saginaw, MI. — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:39:50 GMT

I was stationed in Ansbach, Germany (Bavaria) when the wall came down in 1989. Things that stick out in my mind include our unit going on alert that morning in case something unexpected happened, and the sudden flood of Trabant and Skoda cars EVERYWHERE! When I got to Germany in May of 1988, The Cold War was still very much in effect, and by the time I left in 1990, The Russians were on their way out. Amazing how quickly things changed.....

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Cobby (Romano) Peters, Carlisle, PA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:48:17 GMT

I was travelling in Europe for 4 months with my friend back in June 1968. (2 young, naive girls looking for a good time!!) In Paris we leased a cheap Citroen to use for our "adventure". One of our adventures was "lets drive to Berlin", not knowing the hazards or geographical structure of the country. For those who have forgotten or never knew there was "Free West Germany" and then there was "Communist East Germany". Unbeknownst to us there also was the "Berliner Ring"? Which means when driving one drives through Free W. Germany, then there's a check point at the Ring for E. Germany. At that point we had to get out of our car, show our passports, then wait, wait, wait, interrogated in German, we didn't speak the language and it was 11 pm at night. They searched our car for propaganda and all we could do was be stupid, which we were, and finally they let us go through. The East German Berliner Ring was maybe only 5 miles wide, I really don't know, but stopping while driving through that sector was verboden so we continued on until we got to the next sector of FREE GERMANY where Berlin was and of course that city was divided. (East & West Berlin) Berlin was exciting & intriguing in 1968. Bombed out buildings with trees and foliage growing out of them were all around. Then there was the WALL. We visited it, had someone take our picture in front of the hugh sign at Checkpoint Charlie, which said "YOU ARE LEAVING THE AMERICAN SECTOR". It was in English, French, German & Russian. I still have that picture to this today. We decided to take an American Express bus tour into East Berlin. The tour guide gave all of us our instructions as to what and what not to do, such as: all newspapers, magazines and anything with print on it had to remain at the bus station. All cameras had to be in clear view and no pictures were to be taken until told. No pictures taken at Checkpoint Charlie, either entering and especially upon leaving. There were 2 American soldiers on our bus and they were told that when we get to the East Berlin checkpoint, at Checkpoint Charlie, they were to remain on the bus and remove their army hats, while all others had to get off. We had to give them our passports, they visually "looked us over" and they had 2 large mirrors, probably 7' x 5' that laid on 4 wheels and had a long handle, like on a wagon, which they pushed underneath the bus to see what might be under there. Once they determined the tour bus wasn't bringing in any contraband they let us go through. We visited only the places they wanted us to see with their own tour guide. The same procedure with mirrors, etc. happened when leaving their sector at the checkpoint. Needless to say I was more intrigued by all this than the boring points of interest they thought we'd like. While out clubbing I met an American soldier and while we were dancing and talking he asked me who taught me to speak such good English!! a soldier he suggested. It didn't register why he was asking me that and I told him I was an American girl. He stopped in his tracks and said he hadn't been out of Berlin in 2 years and hadn't spoken to an American girl in all that time. Even his buddies were happy to talk "American" without the accent. It was an experience I've never forgotten and never will. Our passports were stamped by the East Germans giving us only 5 days before he had to get out. So we enjoyed our 4 days and left very early in the morning on the 5 day to avoid being stopped at night. I guess ignorance was bliss in this case.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Eric Hangzhou China — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:58:44 GMT

For all of us who have freedoms, lets choose to do good things with the time we have. 1989 was a great year. I have heard a story of a newscaster that was crying for joy before going on the air as people were dancing on the wall. People with satellite tv supposedly got to see this. What a moving event.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

J. King, Cleveland, TX — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:05:36 GMT

Yes it is sad how short our memories are. I, too have a small piece of the Berlin Wall given to me by my Daddy. It was a gift to him from friends who visited just after it was torn down. We need to bathe in the memories of a happier time, what we have now is Hell on earth.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

G.Menon, Wayne, NJ — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:06:28 GMT

A part of the wall can be seen in Reagen's presidential library in California. I have a small peice of the wall -a gift from a fellow-scientist who lived in East Berlin , and who now works at the University of Berlin.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Joe Shea Southampton, Pa — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:33:49 GMT

There is, what I am told is the largest piece of the wall in the U.S. on display at a German Club in Warminster,Pa.
It sits outside the clubhouse at Vereinigung Erzgebirge.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Guy, Cheyenne, WY — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:54:53 GMT

I have a little chunks from the wall and a cobblestone from where Checkpoint Charlie sat. I was also lucky to get my pic in front of the checkpoint before it came down.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jessica - Seattle, WA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:56:34 GMT

This doesn't have to do with the art piece, but does anyone else think that Gorbachev ad is ludacris?
D:
And in Seattle at the Center House right below the Space Needle, there's a full size chunk of the Berlin Wall with a little placard. It's amazing..

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

jim young, dresden, germany — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:40:02 GMT

i'm an american living in dresden, germany now. german citizens today pay a tax which goes to help rebuild and develop the economy of the former DDR. opinion is divided as to the good of reunification but from what i can see after being here for more than a year "Ossies" are doing ok. they have had to adapt to a new political system and with it a new economic system. no one in any nation could find such a change easy. the Germans from the former DDR have done it remarkably well.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Tom Rogowsky, Beaufort, SC — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:43:08 GMT

I lived in Munich from '67 - '79 and during that time, everyone thought it simply inconceivable that the DDR (East Germany) would again become part of Germany. I still remember the late Erich Honecker's quote in early 1989, "The Wall will be standing in 50 and even in 100 years, if the reasons for it are not removed."

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Sothy Tep, Chicago, IL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:43:27 GMT

A Germany friend of mine, Silke Usadel, sent me a piece. I used to have a piece, but I lost it during my many moves and changes of living space.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Tonya, Cincinnati, OH — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:44:02 GMT

I was an exchange student in East Germany not long after the wall went down. I have 2 pieces. There was a lot of frustration with unemployment then...it's sad that hasn't changed.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Don and Betty Jo Colbert — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:29:55 GMT

We have a piece of the wall, framed and hanging on a wall in our home. It reminds us of how precious freedom is and how many people in the world are living under dictators and extreme poverty. Even if we have economic or any other problems, does communism fix problems as some in this blog think? Prisoners have 3 meals a day and TV. Do you think they would rather have freedom?

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Joe Guerra, Beaverton Oregon — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:35:15 GMT

I served with the US Army, stationed at Garlstedt West Germany, a small military post near Bremen from 1987-1989. I remember my friend and West German Army comrade Christopher Hentschel of Hannover, telling in me in 1987 he would never see a reunited Germany in his lifetime. We were in our twenties at the time.

I never made it to Berlin however I did visit "die grenze" (German word for border) near Lubeck, West Germany in the spring 1989. You could see the typical border fortifications: roving armed foot patrols with German Shepards, East German vehicle patrols constantly running parallel 100 meters from the actual border creating a "no-man's land" buffer, guard towers with binoculurs zeroed in on any observer from the west peering into East Germany, the barb wire, and the little concrete signs painted with diagonal black, red, and gold, indicating the boundary between East and West.

I left West Germany on 10/24/1989, exhausted and feeling at the time the welcome mat of US GIs in Germany had long past. The West German economy was prosperous. The US economy had seen better days. The German mark was strong, the US dollar weak.

I was 27 years old at the time I left Germany. My German friend Christopher was wrong. The wall did in fact come down in our lifetime.

I revisited in 1997. The contrast between 1989 and 1997 couldn't have been more pronounced. The US economy was a booming juggarnaut. The noticeable social strains caused by Germany's reunification, of a poor East being absorbed into what was once a prosperous West Germany.

In 1997 my West German host family gave me a parting gift: a piece of the wall. I value that gift and the symbolism of friendship it represents. That gift will now be encased because of the asbestos hazard.

I miss my West German family, the Behrens from Osterholz-Scharmbeck. I also miss my friend Chris from Hannover. I am proud to have been a part of history, watching the Berlin wall celebrations safely on US soil, just over 2 weeks after having left what was then a divided Germany.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jaycee Henni, Alicante ,Spain — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:46:33 GMT

After the breaking down of the Berlin wall,other walls around the world have been erected and still are being erected.
Jaycee.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Linda, Guben, Brandenburg, Germany — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:10:31 GMT

The Wall was a powerful symbol of a failed system. Any country that has to build a wall such as the Berlin Wall with it's heavily armed guards, guard towers, concertina wire, etc to try to keep its citizens from leaving is truly a system with serious problems. And, as we know, despite the Wall, East Germans risked their lives to leave, many killed in so doing. Just as it is not possible for a government to keep its people in by erecting a barrier, so it is also not possible for a government to keep people out with a barrier, i.e. the wall along the US-Mexican border.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Larry Cox — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:11:22 GMT

We had a german exchange student who brought us a piece of the wall and also showed us a photo of him with a group of people as they brought the wall down. We have it and it's not very big but it's still a reminder of the oppression of the Communists.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Tannis Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:37:20 GMT

My Great-Aunt Audry was touring Europe when The Wall fell. She said it was a frightening and exhillerating time to behold. She brought back several small pieces for family members. I have one in a glass jar. I was in high school at the time and remember our teachers wanting us to remember as much as we could about the Cold War and the New Era. I will never forget.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Melissa C. Annapolis, Maryland — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:50:08 GMT

There is a part of the wall, actually a large section at the visitor center at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Melissa C. Annapolis, Maryland — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:50:19 GMT

There is a part of the wall, actually a large section at the visitor center at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Klaus Pfister, Holladay, Ut. — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:07:24 GMT

There's a section of "Die Schandmauer" in Rapid City, SD's downtown Park.
Also I personaly chipped chunks of it in Dec 1989!
Hip Hip Hurrah die DDR ist nicht mehr da!
(Hip Hip Hurray the GDR is not here to stay!)

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Tim Rapid City South Dakota — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:10:21 GMT

There are 2 sections of the wall in Memorial Park in Rapid City SD.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

ben grimes — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:33:47 GMT

A good sized chunck sits in Snow Hall, inside of Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Every few days I walk past it and remember that night the border opened. I was stationed in Nurnburg and thought that war was coming.........gola I was wrong. The reunification fests that happened the following year were just awesome.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

A Lee Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:50:38 GMT

The feeling of being second class citizens it true for many older Easter Germans. I am an American who has been living here in the former east and you can see it very clearly. Some long for the old days and others barely remember them. I think 21% is low for those longing for the old days, I think the number is higher. Back then everyone had a job , now in areas the unemployment is as high as 20%. The people in the west are paid more for doing the same job as in the east.
For the person above who said the East Germans were innovative you are so right. I still see East German products around and working.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Starr Silverton, Idaho — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:17:51 GMT

An entire panel of the Berlin Wall is located at the Regean Library in Simi Valley California outside on a veranda that faces west so it can be seen during sunset. A very inspiring setting...

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jeanie Jeffers, Robbins, Tn — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:33:48 GMT

My husband was stationed in Berlin in 1963-1964. We visited checkpoint Charlie several times. I have pictures taken at the wall in that area. In 2001 we had an exchange student from Germany and he brought us a piece of the wall as a souvenir.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Phil Jones, Frangy, France. (Born in UK) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:55:23 GMT

Amazing how many people still believe that pointing missiles at each other for all those years actually ld to the collapse of communism.

It was falling apart for many years. Didnt need any help. The natural spirit of the 'Russian & others' spirit finally broke it. The sabre rattling only added to the urgency.

The 1980's were a fearful time for Western Europeans. Bomb Shelters and instructions on what to do (and not do) were coming at us from all directions.

But the wall is gone and 'Easern' Europe still has a long way to go. No time for self congratulation. Lets help get them up to speed.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

C Walton Wiscasset Maine — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:33:45 GMT

A significant portion of the Berlin wall was purchased by an American and is stored in a warehouse in Bath, Maine.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Cheryl, Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:06:50 GMT

I have to question this comment made by Mike Faust. What country are you living in that you are not "allowed" to view pictures of the towers? Certainly not the USA. I don't understand.

"Even today in the USA, we aren't allowed to view photos of the towers or the destruction that came on us that day. Many Americans have forgetten how it felt already. And our politicans only consider what political gains they can make off those who died on 9/11. It all just makes me want to cry and at the same time....it makes me angry!"

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Erin, London, UK — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:08:56 GMT

There's a section of the wall at the Imperiel War Museum in London, UK. If we don't want to forget, so as to not repeat the mistakes of out forfathers, everyone should go there. It is the most thought provoking, harrowing, horrific, true, humbling experience of my life. I am fortunate to live nearby. I am assuming there are variations all over the world? War and segragation are wrong. ALWAYS

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bill Williams, Mertzon, Texas — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:17:06 GMT

I have a small piece of "the Wall" my son ,who was stationed in Germany at the time of the fall, gave me.We were stationed in Schwabach in the 2/4 Cav in '65 and in Bayreuth from '72 to '76 in 1/2 ACR. As a result I have a strong feeling of close friendship for the great people of Bavaria. Some of the best years of my families life were spent there. The Bavarians are very much kin to us Texans! We still enjoy returning to visit our old friends in Bayreuth and hosting them in Texas from time to time!

My wife and I visited our son in '90 and were taken to Plauen. The stark contrast in the sights and sounds of that sad city after so many years of Communism and Bayreuth still haunt me. The people in Plauen were cowded, walking with heads down in almost total silence in contrast to the laughter of children, the engine noise of passing cars, and the general hussel and bussel of Bayreuth. I remember only two signs of commerce that day, a used car lot with a Car parked by the office with a Hof plate and a Bratwurst wagon pulled bu a Mercedes with a Hof plate! I also remember the hair standing up on my neck as Helmuth drove me past the Kommandtura where the Soviet Army was still headquartered! I was afraid they still had my picture from my days in the 1/2 ACR and might still not wish me well.

Today as I watch my country drift or maybe rapidly gallop toward Marxism if "SHE' or "HE" win in 08, I have a fear that the people of Texas may soon resemble those poor "Osties" of yesterday. Today on an "economic" program a pundit was promoting government medical insurance for all as our only hope. I of course well remember my first son born in Bryan in '64 with excellent pre-natel care, three days spent in the excellent hospital staffed with super Dr's and Nurses and costing a total of $250. 00 which I paid out of my Aggie pocket. I did not have insurance and did not need it as even college students at Texas A&M( not known for great wealth in those days) could easily afford basic medical care.

Marxism causes poverty. I wish more of you "Americans " could have seen what life was like in the "East Zone" before the Wall came down.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Paul Ertl, Ottawa, Canada — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:39:56 GMT

I was given a 2 inch piece of wall by a friend's son who worked in Berlin in the Bauhaus architectural institute. It is very precious to me as my father was a Wehrmacht soldier. ( Thanks Istvan and Tibor)

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Ally Hauptmann-Gurski, Adelaide, South Australia — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:44:53 GMT

The introduction to a PH.D. thesis by Thomas Wieczorek sheds a little light on dissatisfaction:
Quote: ‘Political corruption is not at all a ‘slip-up by black sheep’, but the normal workings of German politics. This is demonstrated through the example of the sale of the Leuna chemical works and the Minol-gas station network to the then French government owned combine Elf-Aquitaine using the German Government Trustee Department in January 1992.’
(Unauthorised translation from German by Ally Hauptmann-Gurski) This German language thesis may be bought on the net.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Wayne Robinson — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:01:17 GMT

Thank you for remembering the wall. I was stationed in the FRG in 1974. Like all good GIs we had to take a night train to West Berlin, we were not allowed to raise the curtains in the train, or stand between the train cars.When we got to Berlin we toured the city and got on a bus to Check Point Charlie, where we were met by border guards from both sides. The border guards walked down the isle, we sat silently in our seats so as not to make an international incident. Once we got to the other side in East Berlin, a group of Russian Soldiers happened to be at our staging area at the same time.Here we were supposedly enemys and we stood only feet away from each other. We went our way and they went thiers. one thing that struck me about East Berlin was the false impression of every thing being nice. Until you walked by the side of a building and saw War damage in the alley that was not fixed for 30 years. The front of the buildings looked impressive, but one only had to look at the real truth, and oh yes don't forget the secret police following all of our bad guys around the square until we got on the bus. Freedom is not free until you've earned it.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

L Wingate Cleafield PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:49:51 GMT

I have a small piece of the wall that my 10 year old son chipped out shortly after the fall of The Wall. I keep it in a protective glass box. It has some blue graffiti on it. I also have a picture of him chipping it out and standing with one foot in East Germany and one foot in West Germany.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Charles Millerl, LaCrosse, Wi — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:04:38 GMT

The message of the Berlin wall should be imprinted on the Israeli government. Isn't it ironic.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

James Barnes — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:08:38 GMT

I served on a concern in Germany where the barb wire at the top of the fence faced in to keep the Jews imprisoned. I walked guard duty around that base that included the ovens that those people who could have been my forefathers were cooked and gassed in. I am a west Texan and went to school at a high school between El Paso and Las Cruces New Mexico. I grew up ranching and I'm not much for fences being a tool of suprememists or socio-economic analysts or of the just plain prejudice against immigrants. Especially if those immigrants are the decendants of the inhabitants of the land to begin with. When are we going to learn? The Wall coming down is paramount to remember and I personally will not forget the lingering feeling of horrific death as walked around human ovens on those long dark nights in Germany. Happy Veterans Day.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Florent. New York, NY — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:09:02 GMT

53rd street in NYC.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/52049945_e010d83941.jpg

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jerry Parker, Chester, VA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:09:01 GMT

I find it interesting that in 1987 President Reagan received great notice regarding his statement, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" and now just twenty years later our same government is having a 700 mile wall built to keep Mexicans out of our country...the the same government that some 170 years ago claimed god driven 'Manifest Destiny' as support for pushing native Mexicans (as with the Indians) away from their lands, i.e., much of the West from New Mexico to California) and still touting open-armed love for all persons while the bulk of all our native indians now live in the lowest levels of wages, happiness, and health of any proscribed group in this nation on government proscribed "reservations". You gotta love us!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

frazser , ravenden sptings, ar. — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:55:48 GMT

D.Davis,

Spray your piece of the wall with a clear lacquer and you will not have any problems with the asbestos. It should be seen and not hidden away.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Karl h. Pohl, Manitoba Canada — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:56:27 GMT

Let me as a former East German weigh in on the Berlin Wall. I jumped the border in Berlin in February 1953 before the wall was built and returned for a visit in 1995 but the wall was already gone. About 1/2 mile of it is now on display in Western Poland complete with death strip, barbed wire and guard towers. You have to pay for admission to see it but it's worth it.

I was naturalized as a Canadian citizen in 1967 after immigrating from West Germany in 1960. I never felt welcome in the years that I lived in West Germany. I understand that the influx of ten Million East German refugees made things difficult for West Germany and most West Germans resented our presence. Yes I agree that there are growing back together pains on both sides of where the 'Wall of Shame' once stood. Didn't America have the same problems after the Civil War? I understand that you have almost the same number of Mexican border jumpers in the US that has four times the population of Germany. Wait till you have 32 Million Mexicans in the US before you complain!
As one of the previous posts suggerts this infernal and blood soaked monument of Communism gone wild should be in public washrooms and preferably in the urinal of history!
It took two generations to divide the minds of the people in East Germany. It will take another generation to complete the reconciliation and relegate the Berlin Wall to the scrap heap of history. I wish that all those that have a piece of the Berlin Wall will always remember the several hundred of us that got shot by the East German Border Guards and treat it like they would treat a piece of a grave stone.
I know that many former unemployed East German Border guards are now in the German army and serving in Afganistan. I hope that they still shoot as well at the Taliban as they did on us East German border jumpers!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Gary Goodlund, Sebastopol, CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:08:12 GMT

My family was in Stuttgart, Germany from 1961-1965 when my dad was assigned there in the US Army. We spent a week in Berlin in the spring of '62. The wall had just gone up and the people were terrified of the East German police who manned the towers and shot anyone who advanced too close to the east side of the wall.

It was especially eerie to see the way they had slapped the wall up along an arbitrary line that went through buildings and left curtains in a kitchen window and then the wall six inches inside. The wall went diagonally through buildings and out the other side. My little sister (about 10 years old at the time) was trying to wiggle a small stone from the surface of the wall as we walked down the street when an old woman stopped and very forcefully warned us to get away from the wall and watch out for those men in the towers!! It all appears so benign on the west side but when I stood on the platform at Checkpoint Charlie, East Berlin looked like the war had stopped maybe last Thursday. The rubble had just been swept off the streets but the city blocks themselves were piled with broken masonry and ruined buildings.

That short visit was an education you just couldn't get from a book!! It gave a very personal view to a small piece of the Cold War.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jan B, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:18:42 GMT

Wiederaufbau der Mauer! Wir brauchen ein neuer DDR! "Build back the Wall! We need a new DDR!" Actually, just kidding, but they did some things well in the DDR and it's good to see that some people realize that, in retrospect. I visited the former DDR in 1990, shortly after Honecker left. It was like going back at least 50 years in time. Wish I'd have had more film! I went to Magdeburg, Pösen, Apolda, Weimar and others I cannot remember, offhand. Fascinating! BTW, In the USA, we have our own forms of Stasi and KGB, and they are growing, every day, with so many bureaucratic agencies getting bigger, making more laws, and criminalization of non-compliance, along with forfeiture of assets which we were told would only be used against the "drug lords". Interesting, then that we still have drugs on the street and have only lost our civil liberties. There is an increasing repression of American freedom by today's socialists, who want to regulate everything. We are now of less importance than a tree in the forest or a rare insect. Sad.. But, I remember how it was, once for the US. President Reagan must be turning in his grave! But I think he is glad for Germany, and I am happy for the citizens of East Germany if it is good for them!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

PERRY C. HONEYCUTT, MANASSAS, VIRGINIA, 20110 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:36:05 GMT

I HAVE THE TOP CORNER END OF THE BERLIN WALL THAT WAS BY CHECKPOINT CHARLIE,IN MY GARAGE, IT WEIGHS ABOUT THREE HUNDRED POUNDS. I HAMMERED WITH MY 15 POUND HAMMER ON MAY 28, 1990, I HAVE VIDEO AND PICTURES OF THIS EVENT AND I ALSO HAVE IT REGISTERED WITH THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IN WASHINGTON D. C. AMD I ALSO HAVE A BUMPER STICKER FROM HELMSTEDT CHECKPOINT ALPHA THAT THE BRITISH MP WAS SELLING IN THAT TIME AND IS ALSO REGISTEDED WITH THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bill, Margraten, NL — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:00:55 GMT

The entire "Wall" wasn't made of pre-fabricated concrete panels. In some areas the East Germans simply used a house that sat along a "border street", blocked off the windows and doorway, and leveled the rest of the house, leaving only the facade. When I was in the Berlin Brigade in 1973-74, I kicked part of a brick loose and took home the souvenir. I've lived in Eurpoe for the last four years but haven't been back to Berlin...it would seem soemwhat boring now, I suppose.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Richard B. Smith — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:09:26 GMT

Hi... and Hello to Sharon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, I am in Hessel and our community is also populate by wonderful honest hard working people... we would have survived in East Germany... warm regads RB

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Bernard Fort Lauderdale FL — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:16:24 GMT

I lived in Germany at that time. You have to remember that before that time, there was the constant threat in West Germany, that the tanks of Eastern Germany could roll over into the west in two three hours, and occupy the West.
REMEMBER WHO BROUGHT THE WALL DOWN!!!!

AS a European, RONALD REAGAN was the greatest president the US ever had. His super expensive "star wars project" brought the former USSR into bankrupcy, and the collapse of the communism.
I deeply respect him for that and that my kids don't have to fear for an atomic war that much anymore.
Comming back to the wall; Let's try to produce in Mexico again and we don't need the "WALL IN THE SOUTH" . People can have work close to their families. It can be done when all of us would stop buying chineese products out of protest for 8 weeks. You will see oil prices going down very fast!!!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

JG, Richmond, Va — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:37:36 GMT

During a trip to WestBerlin in the early 1970s with my then husband,a captain in the USArmy, and our friends, the husband also a captain, we never realized the wall would actually come down one day. The entire experience was unnverving, yet we felt we had to visit. Our husbands had to wear their uniforms, or they would have been held as spies. We wives had to cross through Checkpoint Charlie apart from our husbands to show no association with soldiers crossing into East Berlin. It was amazing in the difference just a few feet made, going from chatter on the modern street, to total silence on streets with shattered remains where once official buildings and personal residences once were. We were watched continuously by guards in twos from the countless guard towers. It felt good to be able to simply walk back into freedom. Yet, the sadness of the evidence of the hundreds who died trying to get to freedom, where they simply could not walk into. The absence of the wall I am sure does not erase the absence of times lost for many.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

dan sumrok — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:40:01 GMT

Part is being resurrected between Mexico and the southern USA and the other has been snaking its way through the west bank.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Jake, Porterville, CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:54:46 GMT

I have a piece of the wall on my desk, sent to me by a friend in Germany!

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

joe giannavola 20 thistlewood ln rochester ny 14559 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:37:09 GMT

I was 17 teen yrs old in the Army
Aug. 18 1961 when my company first got there it was horriable no one knew what was going on
mass confusion
we thought it was the end
i never forgot it

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Joe, Minneapolis — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:37:43 GMT

Yes, we have forgotten what happened many years ago. The falling of the Iron Curtain was a good thing. We all should be happy and greatful that it is in our past. As far as troops in Afganistan. There our troops are trying to get the people that are responsible for 9/11. Did we forget that? People that are against war today would have been against war with Germany, Japan, and Italy and others that were on the side of the Axis as well. They forget that evil people need to be hunted down and taken out of this world eihther physically or in jail.
People today forget the sacrafices that those that lived before us endured so that we can complain. We have no idea the hardships that those on the East side of the wall lived. It must not have been easy to have ideas and not be able to speak them because you didn't belong to "The Party". That wall symbolized so much that the young today have no concept of freedom and what it means.
Osama and his band want to take that away from you. They belive that their version of Islam is what it should be. Think of what it would be like to live that way? Women not being able to speak your mind. How many of you women out there would want that? If so then let them hunt Osama and his band of weiry men. They are of little brain and concept of what freedom means.
I'm glad the wall was torn down and the people of Eastern Europe are free. They need to thank those that were instrumental in doing so.
We all need to embrace those from the East as our brothers and sisters. I am glad you are free. Now, don't take advantage of that freedom.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Joanne, Dallas, TX — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:50:07 GMT

Where's the Berlin Wall? I'm not sure where most of it is, but I ensured several pieces made it back to the US when I visited in 1993. My official piece was a tiny tourist-aimed graffitied chunk in a plastic case along with a DDR mark and tiny toy Trabi for a ripoff price. But my big find was finding a section of the Wall being demolished when visiting a number of sections that had been painted with murals promoting world peace or something like that. I don't know why they were demolishing that particular section, but at least a dozen small chunks ended up in my backpack. I suspect much of the Berlin Wall resides as mementoes around the world. I look forward to having photos and pieces to show my son when he's old enough to understand the history of the land of his ancestors, but I regret that Germany hasn't kept more of the Wall intact. It stands as a visual lesson of the dangers of letting your government handle too much of your freedom (its the kind of lesson you normally don't learn until its too late). Germany shouldn't be trying so hard to forget.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Matt Dugener Vt — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:05:01 GMT

I was with the berlin brigade in the late 70s and still recall the the wall ,minefields and machine gun towers .It was wrong then and is wrong now whether it is germany or some where else.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Marcie Murray, Dutchess County, NY — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:12:33 GMT

I lived and worked in Berlin for about 3 mos. a year from 1979 on. I only knew a divided Berlin and remember so clearly how it felt going through the Transitstrecke when my American passport left my hands, hopefully to return a number of minutes later from the East German border guards. Or how it felt being searched coming back from the limited day's visit to East Berlin- I shouldn't be taking any of the People's Goods out of the country (ohmyG-d I had cheap spices and underwear!). Or meeting the young man in East Germany who so desperately wanted to escape and wanted me to marry him to do so. So romantic, no? But I've never forgotten the fear that permeated the East. And I'll never forget how I screamed and laughed and cried the night the wall came down. Or the T-shirts that flooded the West Berlin streets just afterwards that said, "We want our Wall back." (Wir wollen unsere Mauer zurueck.) Sure I have an asbestos-filled piece of the Wall, and photos of when it was still up. And West Berlin was very special then. An island of intellectual and artistic growth; a hotbed of isolated politics. But it was so, and draft-free, because of the East. That couldn't-and shouldn't last. The Wall needed to come down. And the former East Germans will one day be replaced by their children who will only be Germans. Again. Better so.

Where did the Berlin Wall go?

Joe, Minneapolis — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:15:55 GMT

How can you compare the Berlin Wall to the fence/wall along the Mexican border? Those that say they are the same are totally wrong. That is to keep people from ILLEGALLY coming INTO this country. People in this country don't mind you coming here to work and live. Just do it LEGALLY. When are you going to learn the difference between Legal and illgal? Grow a brain, will you? The Berlin Wall was built to keep people in. Hence why they shot peopel trying to 'escape' from the country that built it.
Wake up and smell the coffee. Man-o-man you people are dumb.
The wall on the West Bank in Irael is about keeping people from entering into that country to blow their citizens up. They are trying to protect their people from nut cases is all.