The sign ‘Caution! You are now leaving WEST BERLIN’ marked the transition from the western sector into the Soviet-controlled area. In the background, the Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, is visible, which had divided the city since then. The photograph was taken in the context of Kennedy’s visit to the Berlin border installations on June 26, 1963, during which the U.S. President inspected, among other locations, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. The visit was intended to demonstrate to the population of West Berlin the continued American security guarantee during the Cold War.