Army Awards Presented at Traditional Christmas Event in Diekirch

On Thursday 21 December 2023, General Steve Thull hosted a traditional Christmas Eve celebration of the Luxembourg army at the Grand-Duc Jean barracks in Diekirch.

The event was held in the presence of Luxembourg's Minister of Defense, Yuriko Backes, as well as all members of the army, athletes who are members of the elite sports section of the army and charitable associations receiving donations. This celebration made it possible to review the main activities of the army during 2023, as well as to thank key people who have provided essential support to the army during the year.

During the event, Médecins du Monde, an international medical development organisation, as well as the A.A.C.S.P.L., (Association of veterans 1939-1945, United Nations forces and Luxembourg peacekeepers) both received a donation.

The 2023 Meritorious Military Athlete medal was presented by General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, to 1st Chief Soldier Bob Bertemes for his exceptional performances in athletics. Additionally, prizes were awarded to the winners of inter-company competitions and military championships, including the victory of Company D in cross-country, Company CI / Medical Service in marching and Company A in swimming.

Regarding individual competitions, chief warrant officer Olivier Paderhuber stood out for his cross-country performances, as did lieutenant Lena Kieffer. The winners of the march were Private First Class Loïc Bettendorff and Captain Michèle Welter. The swimming trophy was presented to First Lieutenant David Schlesser.

Furthermore, General Steve Thull presented the badge of “corporal of honour of the army” to Colonel Géraud Lhours of the French Army as well as to Lieutenant-Colonel BEM Philip Pirard of the Belgian Army, for their commitment to the Luxembourg army, proof of the essential cooperation between the corps. During his six years of assignment to Eurocorps, Colonel Lhours assisted Luxembourg personnel with unrivaled professionalism. He greatly contributed to the quality of the collaboration between the Eurocorps and the Luxembourg army, to the maintenance of Luxembourg interests, and also to the integration and place of the Luxembourg military. In his role as corps commander of the horse hunter battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel BEM Philip Pirard has maintained excellent relations with the Luxembourg army. His personal commitment to the Luxembourg army is shown above all in the context of the “reconnaissance” training for Luxembourg candidates in Heverlee.

General Steve Thull underlined the important role of the Luxembourg armed forces during his speech: "Our army is an operational, responsible, united, reliable and credible actor. All together, we will succeed in assuming our fair share in collective defence efforts and I would like to thank everyone in our ranks for their daily commitment."

During the celebration, slideshows illustrated the range of activities over the past year and demonstrated the esprit de corps within the Luxembourg army. Finally, the Grand Ducal military band framed this solemn day with musical interludes, creating a real Christmas atmosphere.

During her speech, Minister Backes addressed the “Defence” section of the coalition agreement and gave an overview of the plans and priorities of defence policy for the coming years. “Every day, our army devotes itself to the service of the nation and our fellow citizens. On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering commitment. I look forward to working with you over the coming years to meet the challenges ahead with determination", Minister Backes thanked the military and civilian personnel of the army.