National Day: Minute's Silence Held in Honour of COVID-19 Victims

During the National Day official ceremony held on Wednesday at the Luxembourg National Solidarity Monument, His Royal Highness the Grand Duke, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and President of the Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen led a small group of officials in celebrating the Grand Duke's official birthday.

All three speakers reflected on the challenges of the past year but also looked towards the future with optimism.

Prime Minister

In his speech, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel began by noting that "it is through hardship that one recognises the true greatness of a country". He stressed the importance of solidarity in times of crises, adding that this was how "Luxembourg has weathered the crisis well so far". The Prime Minister also attributed the Grand Duchy's favourable situation (in comparison to many other countries) during the pandemic to the decision to "go our own way".

Luxembourg's Prime Minister went on to thank everyone for their efforts in fighting the pandemic, notably frontline workers but also everyone "who stayed at home to protect those around them". He also spared a thought for COVID-19 victims.

Looking to the future, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel addressed the fight against climate change and the importance of "a strong Luxembourg within a strong European Union".

Chamber President

Fernand Etgen then took the floor to deliver a predominantly optimistic message. Whilst he recognised that the COVID-19 crisis was not yet over, the Chamber of Deputies President emphasised that there was finally "a glimpse of light at the end of the long tunnel", as we move gradually towards "a new normal". 

Concerning those who have fallen victim to the virus, Mr Etgen recognised the people behind these statistics, as well as those who continue to suffer from the disease and its consequences. He stressed that "in the transition to a new normal, no one should be left behind". The Chamber President particularly sympathised with and thanked young people, who have sacrificed so much to protect others. He also thanked everyone who has followed the measures in place, emphasising the importance of "respect and solidarity" during these challenging times.

Fernand Etgen added that the crisis had "shown that we can trust our democracy", as well as demonstrating the importance of "a strong Europe". He stressed that "Schengen is alive". 

The Chamber President concluded with the words: "All the experiences we have had over the past few months give us courage and strength. We move forward with cautious optimism".

Grand Duke 

In his speech, Grand Duke Henri also highlighted the impact of the pandemic, which has "radically changed our world". He expressed pride in the fact that, "as a nation, we have shown solidarity and we have shown resilience and patience for the common good". He also highlighted the fact that Luxembourg's hospitals "have held up", thanks to the "tireless commitment" of frontline workers.

The Grand Duke went on to lead a minute of silence for the 818 people in Luxembourg who lost their lives to COVID-19. On behalf of the Grand Ducal family, he "expressed [their] deepest condolences to all who have lost a loved one". He recalled that the government would hold a commemorative ceremony later this year in honour of the victims as well as those who "have made an exceptional commitment to managing this health crisis".

Grand Duke Henri added that the crisis had revealed "positive facets such as cross-border solidarity, interwoven however with darker tendencies such as populism and untruths". 

Luxembourg's Head of State also highlighted the importance of "a healthy economy", particularly touching on digitalisation, but also culture and sport. He went on to emphasise the urgent need to protect nature, noting: "We must seize this opportunity to shape a more sustainable way of life".

Whilst he recognised the limits of the European Union's (EU) vaccination strategy (namely regarding delays), the Grand Duke maintained that "acting together [...] was the right approach" He praised the efforts and achievements of scientists during the pandemic and thanked Luxembourg's COVID-19 Task Force "for this commitment".

The Grand Duke also emphasised the need to "show our solidarity and help those who are in much more precarious situations", referring namely to people in less developed countries who "also have the right to be vaccinated as soon as possible".

Grand Duke Henri noted that the pandemic "has taught us to take a step back from our habits and realise the real priorities in life", namely "humanity, solidarity, tolerance, respect". He emphasised: "We are on the right track, but we must not relax our vigilance". 

Towards the end of his speech, the Grand Duke noted that next year will mark 60 years since Luxembourg began celebrating its National Day on 23 June: "My great hope is that we can celebrate again, all together!"

The official ceremony was followed by the traditional honour firing of 21 cannon shots at the Fetschenhaff.