Tucked away in the quiet corner of Bonn, stands the Kapelle Lessenich. It’s a place where echoes of war and whispers of peace intertwine. The Kapelle Lessenich wasn’t always a memorial. Originally, a simple wayside chapel, its purpose shifted after the First World War. At the back wall of the Kapelle Lessenich, a monument was erected in 1924. It lists the names of those from Lessenich-Messdorf who perished in the Great War. The monument is crowned by a steel helmet nestled on oak leaves, a poignant symbol of sacrifice. After the Second World War, the Kapelle Lessenich transformed again. It became a memorial chapel for both World Wars. Inside, above the altar, a crucifix hangs, flanked by two grieving female figures. Wooden panels, each topped with an Iron Cross, display the names of the fallen from both conflicts. These names, etched in wood, tell a story of loss and remembrance. They connect the Kapelle Lessenich to the community it serves. One name you’ll find listed is Peter Velten, a medical student at the University of Bonn. He died on March 28, 1914, in Ripont, before the war officially began. Another name is Konrad Rutsch, born in Bonn in 1921. He died on November 29, 1944, and is buried in the war cemetery in Elm. The Kapelle Lessenich is more than just stones and names. It is a living testament to the impact of war on a small community. It’s a quiet place for reflection, a reminder of the cost of conflict, and a tribute to those who gave their lives.
Kapelle Lessenich
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