Military personnel publicly swear in for the first time.
In commemoration of the "75 Years of the Basic Law" week, young soldiers publicly swore their allegiance for the very first time. According to Berlin's Mayor Wegner, this move signifies the Bundeswehr's position at the heart of the community. However, public backlash from the left wing emerged.
During the Bundeswehr's inaugural public swearing-in ceremony in front of the Berlin House of Representatives, approximately 30 fresh recruits took their oaths. These individuals were members of the guard battalion stationed at the Federal Ministry of Defense. The event was attended by roughly 140 guests, including friends and family of the recruits, as well as political and societal representatives.
"A public swearing-in ceremony in Berlin showcases our society's unwavering support for its soldiers," said Mayor Kai Wegner. "These oaths should be at the core of society. The Bundeswehr should hold a place at society's core." Berlin, as a symbol of freedom, values the soldiers' unrelenting service. After all, freedom is something that still necessitates protection; it cannot be assumed as an inherent right.
The House of Representatives President, Cornelia Seibeld, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Our soldiers are willing to protect this state and its free and democratic order every day. This pledge in front of the Berlin Parliament is our way to express our appreciation and gratitude for decades of peace and freedom."
"75 Years of the Basic Law": A Themed Celebration
The public pledging is part of a week-long event named "75 Years of the Basic Law." An outdoor ceremony will be held on Thursday between the Bundestag and the Chancellery. Following this, a three-day democracy celebration will commence in the government district from Friday.
Describing the importance of the Basic Law and its significance, Parliamentary State Secretary Siemtje Möller stated, "The Basic Law, which we're marking this week, safeguards our democracy just as the soldiers uphold our freedom. In today's security climate, this has never been more essential in the last 75 years."
The police cordoned off the area where the oath was taken. Approximately 200 meters away, a handful of individuals protested the event. The leader of the leftist parliamentary group in parliament, Carsten Schatz, had previously castigated the event as a "contribution to the militarization of society and public life."
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In this context, Kai Wegner, the Berlin Mayor, highlighted the significance of the public swearing-in ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Defense, stating, "This public swearing-in ceremony in Berlin is a testament to our society's continued support for its soldiers, reinforcing their position at the core of our society." Later, during the "75 Years of the Basic Law" celebration, Parliamentary State Secretary Siemtje Möller emphasized the importance of the Basic Law and its role in safeguarding democracy, remarking, "The Basic Law, which we're marking this week, is just as crucial in maintaining our democracy as the commitment of the German Armed Forces to uphold our freedom."
Source: www.ntv.de
