This memorial was erected on a hill which was topped with a mountain of rubble from the night of the air raid on the town on February 23, 1945.
That evening, 80 to 90% of the city of Pforzheim was destroyed and around 18,000 people lost their lives. The air raid took no longer than 20 minutes.

It serves as a reminder of this tragic event and a warning that the event should not be allowed to occur again. By reminding people of the tragedy of war it is to promote peace.