Keeping memories alive: Commemoration at BKH Kaufbeuren inspires students

Keeping memories alive: Commemoration at BKH Kaufbeuren inspires students

An important day for the city of Kaufbeuren: On July 5, 2025, a memorial service took place in the BKH (district hospital) that recalled the dark chapters of the location's history. Dr. Petra Schweizer-Martinschek from the Swabia District Archives opened the event with the words: “Memory knows no end.” This statement highlighted the need to deal with the past, particularly with regard to the atrocities that were committed here during the Nazi era.

In his speech, Mayor Stefan Bosse recalled the discovery of these crimes by American soldiers 80 years ago. In the self-determination sanatorium and nursing home, the cruel practice led to the murder of people who were considered “unworthy of life”. 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 a culture of remembrance

The students took an active part in organizing the memorial service, which mainly took place in St. Thomas Church. The event was musically accompanied by Georg Hiemer on the trumpet and Stefan Mohr on the organ. As part of the seminar, the students are particularly concerned with translating the texts on the steles of the Euthanasia Memorial into English and Russian. Headmaster Christof Walter emphasized the central importance of this place for history lessons, as all contemporary witnesses have already died. “You have to listen to history, otherwise it will repeat itself,” warned Walter, emphasizing the responsibility of the younger generation to be sensitive and responsible when dealing with history.

The memorial, which the students built in collaboration with the artist Andreas Knitz and the district archives under Dr. Petra Schweizer-Martinschek, was unveiled at the entrance to the BKH. It commemorates the victims and is intended to be both artistic and informative. The original plates from which “hunger food” was served until 1945 were redesigned with engravings to keep the memory of the terrible events alive.

Importance of processing

Professor Dr. In another article, Michael von Cranach emphasized the importance of the population coming to terms with the situation. He made the participants aware of the responsibility to deal with their history. Minister of State a. D. Ludwig Spaenle also spoke about social responsibility and the essential meaning of memory. His urgent appeal not to forget the atrocities was certainly heard by many of those present.

The memorial service concluded with a wreath laying at the memorial stone, accompanied by the facility's pastoral team. Bayerischer Rundfunk also reported on this important event, which is intended to commemorate and come to terms with the past.

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