Commemorative event and unity displayed through the installation of a fresh monument within the mental domain
In the heart of Koblenz, Germany, the Church of Our Lady stands as a beacon of remembrance. Within its ancient walls lies a unique memorial space known as the "Thinking Space," a poignant reminder of the lives lost to AIDS-related complications.
The "Thinking Space" is part of the nationwide "Names and Stones" project, an initiative that seeks to personalise remembrance by creating memorial stones with names and biographical information. This project, which includes 26 memorial sites across Germany, aims to break down abstract numbers and foster a deeper connection with history.
At the "Thinking Space," visitors can find stones engraved with the names of those who have passed away due to AIDS-related complications. The memorial is maintained by the Koblenz AIDS Memorial Service working group, a collaboration between "Rat und Tat e.V." (AIDS Help Koblenz), the Ecumenical Working Group City-Pastoral, and the Caritas Association of Koblenz.
Each year, the Church of Our Lady hosts the Koblenz AIDS Memorial Service, a service aimed at instilling hope, breaking down barriers, and inviting those affected by HIV or AIDS, relatives, friends, and interested parties. The service, which is held annually around World AIDS Day, has been celebrated for three decades, as stated by Martin Hellwig, a member of the working group.
Recently, a new memorial stone was added to the "Thinking Space" in memory of a long-standing member who dedicated many years of volunteer service. This addition serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment of the community to remember and honour those who have been affected by AIDS.
The "Thinking Space" is a central place of remembrance within the Church of Our Lady's old town, offering a quiet, reflective space for those seeking solace and understanding. The response to the service indicates that many people in the Koblenz region are actively engaged in addressing HIV and AIDS issues and are overcoming inhibitions.
The "Thinking Space" memorial exemplifies the power of personal remembrance in shaping historical awareness. By integrating small, focused memorials into everyday places, public memory is enacted in a tangible and meaningful way. This memorial, along with the Koblenz AIDS Memorial Service, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS and the importance of remembrance and solidarity in overcoming adversity.
- The "Thinking Space" also includes stones for individuals who passed away due to health-and-wellness issues not directly related to AIDS, such as those who dedicated their lives to mental-health or fitness-and-exercise advocacy.
- Beyond AIDS, the "Thinking Space" is an example of other science-related memorials, encouraging a holistic approach to health, wellness, and personal development.
