Memorial Service Honors Departed Substance Abusers in Dusseldorf
On the 21st of July, a solemn reminder shines bright in Dusseldorf, a city that pays tribute to its fallen residents who succumbed to drug-related causes. This annual memorial ceremony has been a tradition since 1998.
Last Friday (21.7.), a poignant joint church service was held at St. Elisabeth's Church on Vinzenzplatz in memory of the 57 Dusseldorf residents who lost their battle with drug addiction within the past year. Under the guidance of Pastor Michael Schmidt and Deacon Klaus Kehrbusch, chairman of Flingern mobil, the congregation gathered, united in remembrance and shared grief.
As Schmidt welcomed the attendees, he reminded everyone, "What we remember cannot be lost." Each of the 57 lost souls was honored, their names read aloud in a heartfelt tribute. Candidles were lit at the Easter candle, each flicker symbolizing a life remembered.
This tribute was a collaborative effort between the Protestant and Catholic churches, as well as organizations dedicated to aiding drug addicts: AIDS Hilfe, Caritas Association, Diakonie, Drug Help, Flingern mobil, and the Social Service of Catholic Women and Men. It's a testament to the power of unity and compassion that these groups come together to honor lives lost and help those still fighting their battles.
Despite the lack of extensive documentation or formal recognition, this July 21st memorial holds significant meaning for the Dusseldorf community, shedding light on the ongoing struggle against substance abuse and reminding us of the power of remembrance.
In the spirit of unity and compassion, this year's memorial service, held on the 21st of July, brought together various organizations, including Flingern mobil, AIDS Hilfe, Caritas Association, Diakonie, Drug Help, and the Social Service of Catholic Women and Men. This collaboration, focused on health-and-wellness and mental-health, honored those lost to drug addiction while providing support for those still battling their addictions.
The lasting effect of this annual remembrance can be seen in its impact on both the city of Dusseldorf and its citizens, acting as a science-based reminder of the ongoing struggle against substance abuse and the importance of addressing mental-health issues.
