On Friday 20 December 2024, the Luxembourg Army closed 2024 with its traditional Christmas Eve event in the presence of Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Army, Charles Weiler, Mayor of the garrison town of Diekirch, numerous guests of honour, representatives of charitable associations receiving donations from the Army and members of the Army including those of the elite sports section.
The vigil, which was held at the Grand-Duc Jean barracks in Diekirch, offered a moment of reflection and sharing, highlighting the spirit of Christmas at the same time as the commitment of the armed forces at the national, international, operational and social levels.
The celebration provided an opportunity to review the Army's strengths during the year 2024 and to pay tribute to Luxembourg's military personnel who, far from their loved ones, are deployed on missions abroad.
Highlighting its commitment to society, donations were given by the Army to: Wonschkutsch ASBL (association offering the free fulfilment of people's last wishes); Special Olympics Luxembourg (organisation enabling people with intellectual disabilities to flourish through sport); and Luxembourg Paralympic Committee (national sports association for performance and leisure sports for people with disabilities in Luxembourg).
People suffering from mental health problems supported by the ASBL Liewen Dobaussen were also invited to spend a pleasant moment with members of the Army.
The medal for "meritorious military sportsman 2024" was awarded by General Steve Thull to 1st Private Magaly Meynadier for her exceptional performances in basketball. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of the inter-company competitions and military championships. Highlights include the victories of the CI/medical service company in cross-country, forced march and swimming.
In addition, General Steve Thull presented the insignia of "Army Honorary Corporal" to Stéphanie Empain, former chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Security and Defence, and to Frank Fries, director of the Ettelbruck Technical High School, for their unwavering commitment and support to the Army.
General Steve Thull thanked the members of the Army and highlighted the important role of the Luxembourg Armed Forces in his speech: "The Luxembourg Army is the operational pillar of Luxembourg's defence. As such, it is committed in solidarity alongside its allied partners in EU and NATO military missions. The traditional Christmas Eve event is a unique moment of sharing and cohesion between military personnel and civilians. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who work every day to advance the Army, to reward those who have distinguished themselves through their sporting results and to demonstrate commitment to its social role."
During her speech, Minister Backes stressed the importance of the Army in times of geopolitical instability: "Without our Army, we cannot defend ourselves. Day after day, our members of the Army are committed to protecting the foundations of our society: peace and freedom. This deserves our full respect. And respect also means providing the necessary resources to best fulfil this noble mission."
During the celebration, slideshows illustrated the range of activities over the past year while demonstrating the esprit de corps within the Luxembourg Army. The Grand Ducal Military Band, by framing the event with musical interludes, contributed to its solemnity.
The Luxembourg Army thanked all those who participated in this beautiful celebration and affirmed that it will remain faithful to its core values: commitment, uprightness and reliability.