2024 - In Memory

In memory of our fallen, it says on the scratched, dirty and dusty plaque. Below it are the names, dates of birth and death.
The youngest is just 16 years old.
The memorial from the First and Second World Wars receives little or no maintenance. It’s a disgrace how the past is dealt with. But right now the past is more important than ever.
I thought we as humans were better. That we had learned from the past and were too ”modern” to still wage war. But the sad truth is different. People are sent to war to die for someone else’s ideologies or ideas.
Unfortunately, civilians are also among the victims of war.
But the soldiers who fall are not just soldiers.
They are brothers, sisters, parents and children of someone. They are people and not just numbers, facts or statistics. They deserve to be remembered and commemorated, no matter which side they were on.
My idea is to emphasize the day of birth of the fallen or special events, namely through sunlight.
The concrete wall is aligned to the south so that it casts a shadow.
You can calculate the exact date on which the sun must be at the required angle for the name to appear on the ground. Two plaques made of coated steel are positioned at the required angle so that the name only appears on this one special day.

This creates unique moments. Relatives then see the name of their deceased person light up in the sunlight.
By lighting up the names or events, the memorial also attracts more attention from people who just walk past it and then see the illuminated lettering.

In this way, I hope that the memorials will receive the attention they deserve.