Diekirch Military Centre Hosts Traditional Eve of Christmas Celebration

On Thursday 22 December 2022, the Luxembourg Army held its tradition Eve of Christmas celebration in the hall at the Military Centre in Diekirch.

General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, led the celebrations in the presence of Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, François Bausch, the Corporaux d'Honneur, as well as members of the army including sports soldiers who are members of the SSEA, and also representatives of the three charitable associations that received donations. 

The celebration included a review of the main activities of the Luxembourg Army during 2022 and honouring those who have contributed in an exemplary way to the activities of the Luxembourg Army.

Paying homage

During the celebration, three charities, namely the Saint Joseph Institute, the Association of War Veterans (the A.A.C.S.P.L.) and the "Stand Speak Rise Up!" asbl received a donation to support their solidarity actions.

A sporting merit was also awarded by General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, to 1st Private-Chief Mathieu Osch, 1st Private-Chief Sarah De Nutte and 1st Private-Chief Victoria Rausch for their exceptional performances in downhill skiing, table tennis and hurdling (athletics).

In addition, a prize was awarded to the winners of the various inter-company and national military championships. The victory in inter-company competitions of Lieutenant Tom Kieffer, who won the cross-country championship and the forced march championship, as well as the victory of Lieutenant David Schlesser, who won the swimming championship, received special acknowledement.

Regarding the individual competitions, Officer Candidate Tim Thull stood out for his cross-country performance, as did Warrant Officer-Major Thierry Majerus (Masters category) and Lieutenant Audrey Girard (Ladies category). The swimming trophy was awarded to Lieutenant David Schlesser. The winners of the forced march were Private-Trainee Loïc Marc Bettendorf, Warrant Officer-Major Joé Hutmacher (Masters category) and Captain Michèle Welter (Ladies category). Finally, a special prize was awarded to Warrant Officer-Major John Derneden for his outstanding cross-country effort.

Finally, General Steve Thull presented the "Army Corporal of Honour" to Lieutenant-Colonel Arjan Abbink of the Netherlands Air Force, supervisor at the European Air Transport Command (EATC), for his remarkable commitment as a spokesperson for Luxembourg's interests within the operational division, as well as supporting and advising on the planning of Luxembourg missions.

A memorable year

As tradition dictated, two slideshows eagerly awaited by the guests illustrated the activities of the Army during the past year and testified to the esprit de corps within the Luxembourg Army. The slideshow produced by the Army Chaplain, Lieutenant-Colonel Nicolas Wenner, was a message of peace and brotherhood.

The evening also included musical interludes from the Grand-Ducal Military Band.