On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the social clubs of Kevelaer commemorate the Volkstrauertag with a mass in the Marienbasilika followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial site in Marienpark. Traditionally, the mayor of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer, the local mayor and members of the council groups take part.
The service in St. Mary's Basilica begins at 10 a.m., followed by a procession of flags and members of the associations to St. Mary's Park, where the memorial service begins at around 11:15. Wreaths are laid in Marienpark in the presence of all affiliated associations by the executive committee of the social associations as well as the mayor Dr. Dominik Pichler and the head of the village Peter Hohl. The Kevelaerer Männer-Gesang-Verein sings in advance - the bearer of the commemorative chain, Georg Seegers, gives a speech. The Kevelaer Music Association and the marching band of the volunteer fire department provide the musical accompaniment to the memorial service. At the end, the associations march back to the Kapellenplatz, where the procession disperses.
The social clubs would like to invite all club members and citizens to take part in the memorial service.