“We must never forget.” The Den Gefallenen in den Kriegen von 1914-1918 in Essen serves as a stark reminder of this. It stands as a memorial to those lost in the wars. It urges us to remember.
This monument embodies Essen’s deep connection to both World Wars. The Ruhr region became a key target. Its coal mines and steel factories fueled the German war machine. Essen endured over 270 attacks. British forces primarily led these. The city suffered heavily in March and July 1943. The “Battle of the Ruhr” began on March 5. Further devastation followed in October and November 1944. The period between February and April 1945 was also brutal.
In the First World War about 15000 Essen citizens died. In the Second World War over 32000 died on all fronts. The graves are all over the world. However only a few have a grave in their home town. More than 2500 Jewish citizens also fell victim to Nazi racial mania. It was almost 60% of the Jews who lived in Essen in 1933.
Let’s consider the location of the Den Gefallenen in den Kriegen von 1914-1918. There are several cemeteries in Essen with war graves. On the Parkfriedhof there are 2045 victims of the Second World War. They are spread over four grave fields. The Suedwestfriedhof holds 2878 dead from both World Wars. They also include victims of Nazi tyranny. The Terrassenfriedhof has 2122 victims of the Second World War. Also victims of violent rule.
The Mahnmal f\u00fcr die Gefallenen des 1. Weltkrieges in \u00dcberruhr exemplifies local remembrance. Over 100 men from \u00dcberruhr never returned. The monument serves as a place for mourning and remembrance. It was erected as a “Kriegerdenkmal f\u00fcr die Helden des Ersten Weltkrieges” in 1934. The National Socialists used the opening to promote their ideas. In September 2005 the monument was relocated to the municipal cemetery.
Consider the impact of war on families. Karl and Theresia Geile lost two sons in the First World War. Karl died in 1915 in Poland. Wilhelm died in 1917 in the former Yugoslavia. Their story echoes countless others. It shows the personal cost of conflict.
The inscription “Liebet eure Heimat, mahnen die Toten” once marked a memorial plate. It urged love for the homeland. Today such sentiments are viewed critically. They remind us of the dangers of nationalism.
Each year Volkstrauertag is commemorated at memorials like this. It serves as a reminder of the victims of war. It serves as a reminder of violence. It stands as a call for peace. The Den Gefallenen in den Kriegen von 1914-1918 is more than stone. It is a promise. It is a commitment to remember the past. It is a commitment to work towards a more peaceful future.