Look closely at the wrought-iron fence encircling this monument. This is Die Gefallenen der Einigungskriege. This memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Unification Wars.
Die Gefallenen der Einigungskriege monument consists of several elements. A wrought-iron fence with eight posts surrounds the entire structure. The monument rests on a stepped base of gray granite. Above that is a multi-part structure crafted from reddish granite.
Notice the stepped base supporting a massive false sarcophagus. Behind this sarcophagus is a rounded gable. It supports an obelisk with a vaulted top. A bronze flag-bearer stands on the steps of the base. He is clad in uniform with a crested helmet. This is a “Pickelhaube”. His head is bowed in mourning. His hand rests on the sarcophagus lid.
Observe the gable above the sarcophagus. It is adorned with bronze weapons. Look for armor pieces and insignia. These represent various military branches. Four flags and a powerful eagle crown this display.
Johannes Boese created this memorial. The Aktiengesellschaft Schaeffer & Walcker foundry cast the figures. Die Gefallenen der Einigungskriege was inaugurated on August 8, 1888. The monument originally honored those who died in the “Reichseinigungskriege”. These were the wars of 1866 and 1870-1871. The German-Austrian War and the Franco-Prussian War are included. The warrior leagues of Berlin commissioned the work.
The foundation stone was laid on October 18, 1886. This was the anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig. After 1945, additions were made to Die Gefallenen der Einigungskriege. Inscriptions and a bronze relief with a peace bell were added. The monument stands in its original location. It underwent thorough restoration in 2000 and 2001.
An inscription is chiseled on the front of Die Gefallenen der Einigungskriege. It reads “Den f. d. Vaterland / gest. Kameraden / d. Krieger-Verbund / Berlin / u. Umgegend.” This translates to “To the comrades who died for the fatherland, the warrior association of Berlin and the surrounding area.” The years 1866 and 1870/71 are carved on the right and left sides.
The flag-bearer’s flag bears the inscription “I. Boese. 1888. / Geg. Act.-Ges. Schaeffer & Walcker.” An inscription on the back states: “Errichtet v. I. Bezirk / d. Deutschen Kriegerbundes / unter Mitwirkung ehemal. / Waffengefährten u. / patr. Mitbürger / 1888.” This means: “Erected by the I district of the German Warrior League with the cooperation of former comrades and patriotic citizens 1888.”
A cast tablet is affixed to the back. It reads: “TREUE UM TREUE / MÖGE DIESE GLOCKE / ALLZEIT ZUM FRIEDEN MAHNEN / UNSEREN TOTEN FALLSCHIRMJÄGERN / KAMERADSCHAFT BERLIN.” This translates to “Loyalty for loyalty / May this bell / always remind us of peace / Our dead paratroopers / comradeship Berlin.” Another inscription is chiseled on the base at the rear. “UNSEREN / UNVERGESSENEN KAMERADEN / DER DEUTSCHEN WEHRMACHT / ZUM GEDÄCHTNIS / 1939 1945”. This commemorates the unforgettable comrades of the German Wehrmacht.
This monument has stood here for many years. It has witnessed many changes. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made. Remember the call for peace. Die Gefallenen der Einigungskriege serves as a reminder of the past. It also urges us towards a more peaceful future.