„As is known, the memorial is to be built on the top of the Lerchenberg on the site of the current Pulverhäuschen. With a height of 20 meters, the memorial, which will be surrounded by dignified grounds, will dominate the Lerchenberg and thus the entire townscape of Zella-Mehlis“ Martin Schwarz
The First World War claimed the lives of 315 men from Zella St. Blasii and Mehlis. The plan to erect a memorial to commemorate these dead was repeatedly discussed at town council meetings in the 1920s. However, it was not implemented at first due to a lack of funds. It was not until 1934 that construction of the monumental memorial made of porphyry quarry stones began. The inauguration took place on 24.11.1935. The shape, size and location of this memorial on the 547-metre-high Lerchenberg are architecturally exceptional.