RTL Today - Marche internationale: Diekirch hosts 6,000 participants in annual army march

The "Marche de l'armée," also known as the "Marche internationale," took place in Diekirch over the weekend, attracting around 6,000 participants. The event started on Saturday and continued through Sunday.

Participants embarked on routes of 12, 20, or 40 kilometres each day, traversing northern Luxembourg. The march, a long-standing tradition in Diekirch, dates back to 1968, following the abolition of compulsory military service in Luxembourg. Originally, 268 people participated in the inaugural event organised by a group seeking to maintain annual gatherings.

Marche Internationale de Diekirch - Day 2 (26.5.24)

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Today, the march includes both army members and civilians, with civilians comprising about two-thirds of the participants. In 2024, the event saw the participation of 1,500 US soldiers, some of whom travelled from Poland to join.

In addition to the physical challenge, participants received medals as souvenirs, progressing from bronze to gold based on the number of times they participate. Marc Streng, one of the organisers, suggested that the medal system might explain the significant interest from US soldiers, as they are permitted to wear these medals on their uniforms.

Marche Internationale de Diekirch - Day 1 (25.5.24)

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An emotional moment was shared by a US soldier who spoke to our colleagues from RTL Télé. She revealed that her daughter had recently passed away, and she has since participated in numerous marches in her quest for healing, carrying her daughter's stuffed animal as a keepsake.

Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)