Flood Remembrance Day in Hönningen: memories, community and bright spots

Flood Remembrance Day in Hönningen: memories, community and bright spots

On July 14, 2023, it was that time again: the anniversary of the devastating flood disaster of 2021 was celebrated for the fourth time. On this occasion, the Altenahr community association, the Altenahr parish community and the Hönningen local community invited people to a moving flood memorial service at the multi-generation site in Hönningen. This not only reflects the past, but also keeps the present and the future in mind. Around 150 people from the region gathered under the motto “Everything has its time – dare to look” to commemorate and exchange ideas.

The service, led by Manuela Kremer-Breuer and Pastor Axel Spiller, covered the formative past of July 14, 2021, the current challenges in 2025 and the hopes for the future. An impressive symbol for reflecting on the topics was a wall with a breakthrough, which represented the vulnerability and at the same time the new beginning of the community. As a small gesture of solidarity, the visitors received kaleidoscopes that were intended to symbolize the colorful diversity of the community. At the end of the celebrations, those present had the opportunity to light a candle on a symbolic stone wall to provide a light of hope.

A space for meeting and exchange

After the service, everyone present was invited to meet at the DJK Stadtlohn holiday camp for a relaxed exchange. The day of remembrance was not just a celebration of remembrance, but also a platform for community and mutual support. While the wounds of the flood disaster have not yet completely healed, it is even more important that cohesion in the region is strengthened.

The flood hit many people hard and turned their lives upside down. Even if the wounds from back then are still deep, the community is striving not to give up. As part of these efforts, the Altenahr parish community welcomes an important initiative: On November 15, 2025, the “Ahr Valley Cross” will be inaugurated in the Maria Annunciation parish church in Altenahr. This is led by Bishop Stefan Ackermann. The cross was created as a result of the painful experiences and is a symbol of the grief and reconstruction that the region has experienced.

A symbol for the future

The idea for the “Ahr Valley Cross” was born during the Corona pandemic and reflects the challenges that the people in the Ahr Valley have experienced. An initiative was launched that collected personal experiences in cardboard boxes along the Ahr. These collected materials - diary entries, children's drawings, funeral pictures and much more - were used by sculptor Rudolf Schneider to create an impressive work of art. The cross is therefore not only a souvenir, but also a sign of solidarity and cohesion in difficult times.

The evening of consecration closes with an “Evening of Light,” which offers the opportunity for reflection and exchange with pastors. The organizers Praxedis v. Boeselager, Anne Mathar, Sigrid Schneider and Britta Wolber have worked with a lot of passion on this special project and invite the community to become part of this important event.

At a time when the memory of the flood disaster is still present, it is particularly important to focus on what we have in common and not to give up hope for a positive future. View current and Altenahr parish community also report on the preparations and activities that help ensure that the communities do not remain stuck in the past, but rather find a way into the future.