CheckPointCharlie T-Shirt

On 13 Aug 1961, Soviet controlled East Germany began construction of "Die Berliner Mauer," The Berlin Wall. Touted by the Communist government as a protection for the citizens of East Berlin against "Western Aggression," it was clearly a method to prevent Germans living in the Soviet sector of Berlin from leaving. More than 125 people would die attempting to escape during the 28 years the Wall stood. One of the most important passage ways between East and West Berlin was American Army Checkpoint C, or in military lingo, Checkpoint Charlie. A now famous sign was posted for those heading into East Berlin; It simply stated, "You Are Now Leaving The American Sector," printed in english, french, russian, and german. Charlie was initiated in 1961 and discontinued in 1990. Today, it stands as a small museum of the Cold War era, one which perhaps has not completely vanished. - This design for light apparel only. Artwork by Zeke Sena.