Among those present were representatives from the city administration, from politics and from clubs and schools. The remembrance was organised by the action group “Go Respect” which has been involved with juvenile violence in Bad Godesberg for 14 years.

Just before darkness fell around 10pm, all the church bells in Bad Godesberg rang out. Nearly all those taking part had brought lights and candles with them, which were placed around a maple tree in the Kur Park.

Wolf Kuster, the organiser of the remembrance service, said “Go Respect” wanted to “put out a strong signal against violence and to promote more respect for the lives and integrity of everyone in this city.”

At the end of the silent remembrance, the young people present took all the lights and candles to the circular flowerbed on Rheinallee, where many flowers and candles have been left since the 17 year old’s death.

The organisers said it had been a very peaceful and special occasion. (Orig. text: Michael Wenzel; translated by Kate Carey)