When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989, portions of it were distributed to locales around the world to serve as memorials to the Cold War and symbols of democracy's triumph over totalitarianism. Portland was one of the cities that received a portion of the wall and you can find it on Long Wharf, just behind the Gorham Savings Bank and in front of DiMillo's.

Germany's notoriously graffiti covered wall was erected in 1961 and during the following 28 years became the site of numerous killings, as residents of Communist East Berlin attempted to jump the wall and flee into West Berlin. Bullets quickly put an end to their escape.

Today, the writing on Portland's portion of the wall is faded and worn. But it still serves as a reminder of the folly of building walls rather than bridges and offers hope that peace and freedom can prevail in a world full of fear.