Reflecting light, this Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele stands as a beacon for peace. It is a tribute to a remarkable woman. This is the Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele in Bonn. It honors Bertha von Suttner. She was a novelist and pacifist.
The Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele commemorates a woman of great courage. Bertha von Suttner was the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Her tireless work for peace continues to inspire us today.
Bertha von Suttner’s impact on the European peace movement was profound. Her influential anti-war novel “Die Waffen nieder!” which translates to “Lay Down Your Arms!” was published in 1889. It challenged the prevailing attitudes toward war. It advocated for peaceful resolutions. Remembering her is both a tribute and a call to action.
The Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele was unveiled on September 21, 2013. This was on the International Day of Peace. It is the first public monument dedicated to Bertha von Suttner in Bonn. The Frauennetzwerk für Frieden e.V. advocated for years for a memorial. They wanted to honor Bertha von Suttner.
The Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele is located on Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz. The square is a vibrant hub connecting Bonn’s center and old town. Thousands cross this square daily. Many may not know the woman behind its name. After World War II, Bonn chose names that reflected a commitment to peace. This decision was underscored by the promise of “Nie wieder Krieg!” which translates to “Never again war!”.
Sirpa Masalin designed the Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele. She is a Finnish sculptor and poet. Masalin’s KANSA project connects sculptures worldwide. It forms a peace network. “Kansa” means “the people” in Finnish. The Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele embodies the project’s mission.
The Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele is made of stainless steel. This material symbolizes endurance and persistence. The Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele stands as a simple and understated sculpture. It enriches the Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz.
The naming of Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz stirred debate in 1949. Some Bonn citizens had to consult a lexicon to learn about Bertha von Suttner. The General-Anzeiger reported this. There was disagreement about naming the busiest square after a pacifist. Some thought a quieter place would be more fitting. Despite the controversy, the name remained. It served as a reminder of the horrors of war.
Street nameplates near Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz were supplemented. This was to honor Bertha von Suttner’s 175th birthday. The signs read: “Bertha von Suttner 1843-1914. Writer and Pacifist. First woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize 1905”. Generous donors funded the signs. The Bertha-AG continues to advocate for the Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele’s visibility.
Today, let the Bertha-von-Suttner-Stele inspire us. It is a call for peace. It is a reminder of one woman’s unwavering dedication. May Bertha von Suttner’s message resonate today and always.