Keep memory alive: commemoration at the BKH Kaufbeuren enthusiastic students

Keep memory alive: commemoration at the BKH Kaufbeuren enthusiastic students

An important day for the city of Kaufbeuren: On July 5, 2025, a commemoration took place in the BKH (district hospital), which was reminiscent of the dark chapters of the history of the location. Dr. Petra Schweizer-Martinschek from the Swabian district archive opened the event with the words: "Memory knows no conclusion." This statement illustrated the need to deal with the past, especially with regard to the atrocities that were committed here during the Nazi era.

Mayor Stefan Bosse recalled the discovery of these crimes by American soldiers 80 years ago. In the Heilt- und Nursing Institute for self-determination, the cruel practice led to the murder of people who were considered to be "unshaped". This story was intensively examined by the students of the Jakob-Brucker-Gymnasium (JBG) as part of a practical seminar, which is intended to raise awareness of these dark chapters.

important initiatives for memory culture

The pupils actively took part in the design of the commemorative celebration, which mainly took place in the Thomas Church. The event was musically framed by Georg Hiemer on the trumpet and Stefan Mohr on the organ. As part of the seminar, the students are particularly concerned with the translation of the texts on the steles of the Euthanasia monument into English and Russian. Headmaster Christof Walter emphasized the central importance of this place for history lessons, since all contemporary witnesses have already passed away. "You have to listen to the story, otherwise she repeats itself," warned Walter and emphasized the responsibility of the younger Generation to be sensitive and responsible in dealing with history.

The memorial that the students in cooperation with the artist Andreas Knitz and the district archive under Dr. Petra Schweizer-Martinschek was unveiled at the BKH entrance. It is reminiscent of the victims and is supposed to have both artistic and informative. The original plates, from which "hunger food" was served by 1945, were redesigned with engravings to keep the memory of the terrible events alive.

meaning of the processing

Professor Dr. In a further contribution, Michael von Cranach emphasized the importance of dealing with by the population. He brought the participants the responsibility to deal with their history. Minister of State a. D. Ludwig Spaenle also spoke about social responsibility and the essential importance of memory. His urgent appeal, not to forget the atrocities, was certainly heard by many of the people present.

The conclusion of the commemoration took place with a wreath laying on the memorial stone, accompanied by the pastoral team of the facility. Bayerischer Rundfunk also reported on this significant event, which should serve to commemorate and to deal with the past.

Overall, the commemoration not only shows the importance of remembering, but also the commitment of the young generation to actively deal with the history of its homeland. It is crucial that such topics are not forgotten in the future.