This Rescare blogger is not only the parent of an adult with Asperger Syndrome, and someone with an ‘interest’ in learning disability; I also have a degree in European Humanities, and a passion for languages and history.
On my occasional visits to Berlin, I always make a point of visiting the ‘Aktion T4’ memorial on Tiergartenstrasse, behind the Berlin Philharmonic building. This memorial (nine inscribed slabs, embedded in the pavement) always struck me as inadequate, in view of the monstrous acts it commemorates – a systematic program of euthanasia carried out against those with an intellectual or psychological ‘impairment’.
It is with some pleasure and relief that I can report that an enhanced memorial with a greater profile, both metaphorically and literally, is now under construction. Full details (in English) of the rebuild, and of what the memorial commemorates, may be found on the website of the Tiergartenstrasse 4 Association.
Berlin is becoming an increasingly popular destination for a city-break. I can recommend it generally; and particularly a stroll up from the Brandenburg Gate through the Tiergarten to this special memorial site.
The current memorial ->
Note: The image at the top of this page is an artist’s impression of the rebuilt memorial.