Löwendenkmal (Bad Honnef)

In the charming town of Bad Honnef, nestled in the picturesque Rhein-Sieg-Kreis of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, lies a monument of profound historical significance—the Löwendenkmal. This striking memorial, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Rhenish Foot Artillery Regiment No. 8 from World War I, stands as a silent sentinel in the lush greenery of the Stadtgarten along Alexander-von-Humboldt-Straße. Its presence is a solemn reminder of the past, yet it also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for the future.

The History of the Löwendenkmal

The origins of the Löwendenkmal date back to the post-World War I era, during a time of remembrance and reconciliation. In May 1926, the first Great Reunion of the former members of the Rhenish Foot Artillery Regiment No. 8 took place in Honnef. It was during this gathering that the regiment's last peacetime and first wartime commander, retired Major General Carl Ehrke, called for donations to erect a monument in honor of the over 1,500 comrades who had fallen during the war.

The initial design for the memorial was ambitious, featuring towering blocks and a bronze eagle with an impressive wingspan. However, financial constraints led to a more modest yet equally poignant realization of the project. The lion sculpture, crafted by Düsseldorf-based sculptor Johannes Knubel from a design by Wilhelm Kreis, was unveiled on June 19, 1927. Symbolizing a future awakening of Germany, the sleeping lion found its temporary home near the Rhine River.

Although plans for a grander monument on the Korferberg were abandoned, the lion sculpture remained a focal point for remembrance. By June 1929, it had been given a permanent pedestal with an inscription, and it was officially handed over to the town of Honnef during the second reunion of the regiment. Each year, the former regiment members gathered at the Löwendenkmal to pay their respects.

Relocation and Restoration

The Löwendenkmal has experienced several relocations over the years, each move reflecting the changing landscape and priorities of the town. After World War II, the tradition of honoring the fallen at the monument was revived by the Old Eighths, as the former regiment members were known. In 1955, the construction of the new Federal Highway 42 necessitated the monument's move to a meadow between the railway and the Siebengebirgsbahn terminus.

In 1963, it found a new home at the Rhine-side end of Girardetallee along the same highway. The Panzer Artillery Battalion 145 in Niederlahnstein began participating in the annual commemorations, eventually taking over the tradition. Despite the disbandment of the battalion in 1990, the remembrance ceremonies continued, supported by former members and local authorities.

By 2011, the Löwendenkmal was showing signs of wear, its golden inscriptions faded and the pedestal's joints crumbling. The Initiative for the Economy of Bad Honnef spearheaded a restoration project, leading to the monument's dismantling in December 2014. During this process, a metal tube containing the monument's founding document, a book of remembrance, and lists of fallen soldiers was discovered beneath the lion sculpture.

The restored monument was reassembled and unveiled at its current location in the Stadtgarten on June 1, 2015. A brass roll with new documents was placed within the pedestal, ensuring the continuation of its legacy for future generations.

The Löwendenkmal Today

Today, the Löwendenkmal stands as a protected cultural monument, officially listed in Bad Honnef's registry since June 18, 1997. The lion sculpture, made of Würzburg shell limestone, measures approximately 2.7 meters in length and 80 centimeters in width, weighing around four tons. Its design is inspired by the famous Lion Monument in Lucerne, created by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

The pedestal's inscriptions, now restored to their original golden luster, pay tribute to the fallen: To our fallen comrades of the Rhenish Foot Artillery Regiment No. 8, 1914–1918 on the front, and a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by 61 officers and 1478 non-commissioned officers and men on the back.

Each year, on Volkstrauertag, the day of national mourning in Germany, the Löwendenkmal becomes a focal point for reflection and remembrance. The Tradition Community of the Old 145/545ers, alongside the town's mayor and city council, gather to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Visiting the Löwendenkmal is a journey through history, a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of the past, and a chance to appreciate the enduring spirit of resilience and hope that it represents. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, this monument offers a profound and moving experience that resonates with the heart and soul of Bad Honnef.