Just imagine standing here in front of this powerful monument – the Denkmal der 39er. You see, it’s more than a simple stone structure. This memorial, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Niederrheinischen Füsilier-Regiment Nr. 39, holds a tragic story. But it’s also a testament to the people who fought for their nation, right here in Düsseldorf.
The Denkmal der 39er, as it’s called, was initially created in 1927 by the artist Jupp Rübsam, himself a member of the 39th Regiment. But its story took a dark turn in 1933 when the Nazis were rising to power. The original monument, symbolizing camaraderie and shared sacrifice, was torn down, deemed too “soft” by the Nazi regime. They replaced it with a new, more imposing monument in 1939.
Interestingly, the remains of the initial monument by Rübsam were relocated to a spot near the Tonhalle. If you take a moment to look around, you’ll notice a section of wall with inscriptions reminding people of those lost in war. It’s a sobering reminder of the brutal, ever-present reality of conflict. The older monument was originally placed on a pedestal with an inscription: “Remainder of the monument for the fallen of the Füsilier-Regiment Nr. 39, created in 1927-28 by Jupp Rübsam and removed in 1933 by the National Socialists, without names. As a warning against terror and intolerance, erected in 1978 at the site of the original monument.”
Today, the Denkmal der 39er stands as a reminder of a complex and tragic history. It’s a tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers, regardless of the era, and a call for peace and understanding. It may not be the most joyful history, but it’s an important one, one that we must never forget.