© Diana Hoffmann
Grand Duke Guillaume presided over his first St Martin's Day ceremony as Head of the Army on his birthday Tuesday, an event marked by the unveiling of a new military flag and solemn reflections on a world "no longer at peace."
A new flag for the Luxembourg Army was officially presented during the St Martin's Day ceremony at the Härebierg military base on Tuesday.
The event, held on the 44th birthday of Grand Duke Guillaume, also marked a transition in military leadership, serving as the first such ceremony for the Grand Duke and the last for outgoing Chief of Staff Steve Thull.
The new standard features the monogram of Grand Duke Guillaume on one side and the national Red Lion emblem on the other.
In his address, Chaplain Nicolas Wenner highlighted the Grand Duke's role as a "symbol of the unity and independence of our homeland." He also struck a sober note on the current geopolitical climate, stating, "We are not at war, but we are no longer at peace [...] Perhaps in the future, we will have to protect what was never so endangered before: our democracy and our freedom."
This sentiment was echoed by Defence Minister Yuriko Backes, who pointed to a fragile security situation in Europe and beyond. She emphasised that "the defence of our freedom, our democracy, and an open society must have the highest priority," adding that Luxembourg must take on more responsibility.
In a move to bolster the armed forces, Minister Backes announced that she will present a proposal to the government this year to "significantly increase the pay of young soldiers", stating that military service is "not just any job" and that making it more attractive is a key priority.
