In 1961, East Berlin, then under the firm grip of the Soviet Union and deeply involved in the Cold War with the West, closed the border between East Berlin (under Soviet control) and West Berlin (under the protection of the US, Great Britain, and France.) The Soviets and East Germany, tired of their socialist citizens defecting to West Berlin and West Germany, decided to close the border and to start building a wall separating the divided city. Many East Berliners wisely made a run for it. Many were shot dead. This famous photo was taken just a few days after the border was closed and construction on the wall began. A 19-year old East German soldier drops his rifle and makes a run for it. Like I've always said, "Running sets you free!" Whee!
- Charlie
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