There was no signing of a treaty or other agreement to declare the end of the Cold War, nothing that would give us a definitive point to celebrate like V-E Day or V-J Day in World War II or Armistice Day -- later called Veterans Day -- to mark the end of World War I.

But, in terms of symbolism, few events come as close as the fall of the Berlin Wall in reflecting the end of that war.

The Cold War may not have ended on Nov. 9, 1989, when the gates were opened and the sledge hammers started pounding. But it was a clear point of no return.

From the fall of the wall came eventual reunification of Germany and the breakup of the Soviet Union.

It is hard to believe 20 years have passed.

The hoped-for "peace dividend" never fully panned out.

The fear of two superpowers on edge, with enough nuclear missiles to destroy each other several times over, has been replaced by the fear of terrorist attacks and weapons of mass destruction in the hands of unstable dictators.

Nonetheless, millions of people breathe freely - or at least freer - across the world, particularly in reunified Germany.

The impact can be seen at a ceremony at 4 p.m. today at the Ronald W. Reagan Peace Garden at Eureka College, where more than 20 flags will be flown representing countries that became democracies after communism fell in Eastern Europe.

The garden at the college from which Reagan graduated and to which he returned as president has a piece of the old Berlin Wall on display.

Reagan's steadfastness in facing up to the Soviet Union is often pointed to as contributing to the U.S. victory in the Cold War. Many played roles through their words and actions, but Reagan's speech at the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, will forever be linked to the events of 20 years ago.

We close with an excerpt from that speech:

"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace.

"There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate.

"Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"