Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, presents honorary distinctions to members of the armed forces; Credit: Jazmin Campbell, Chronicle.lu

On Thursday 19 June 2025, the Luxembourg Army held its traditional military ceremony to mark National Day in Diekirch, bringing together army officials, political representatives, members of the public and the press.

The ceremony began in Place Guillaume with speeches by Colonel Alain Schoeben, Commander of the Luxembourg Armed Forces, and Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes. Among the distinguished guests were General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, and Luxembourg’s Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, as well as several deputies (MPs) and mayors.

Colonel Schoeben spoke about the role of deterrence and defence in the current geopolitical climate. He highlighted the Luxembourg Army’s contributions to NATO operations, such as its involvement in Romania, and addressed ongoing personnel and equipment needs. He also underscored the importance of technology and innovation within the army.

In her speech, Minister Backes emphasised that defence investment is essential for protecting "our democracy, our freedom, our values and our security". Referring to recent geopolitical tensions and NATO spending targets, she stressed that Luxembourg remains committed to contributing meaningfully to European and transatlantic security. She referenced the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague (Netherlands) and noted that Luxembourg will align its defence spending with NATO targets (a potential combined target of 5% of GDP, including 1.5% for European resilience), while underlining the importance of flexibility.

Looking ahead, the minister outlined plans to transform the Luxembourg Army in the coming years, including a major recruitment drive to attract qualified personnel. Concluding her speech, she thanked members of the armed forces for their commitment to the nation and its people, highlighting the military’s role in upholding freedom, democracy and shared values.

The ceremony also included the presentation of various honorary distinctions:

  • 25 national orders, including three Knights of the Order of the Oak Crown (Ordre de la Couronne de Chêne), six gilt (vermeille) medals of the Order of the Oak Crown and sixteen Knights of the Order of Merit (Ordre de Mérite) of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg;
  • 31 service crosses (Croix de Service): two officers received a cross for fifteen years of service, eleven non-commissioned officers (sous-officiers) and corporals received one for 30 years, eight non-commissioned officers and corporals received one for 20 years and ten non-commissioned officers, corporals and volunteer soldiers received one for ten years;
  • fifteen NATO Vigilance Medals, recognising participation in missions abroad under NATO’s mandate.

The Luxembourg Military Band, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-Claude Braun, provided musical accompaniment throughout the event.

The ceremony concluded with a parade of troops and a motorised detachment along Rue Stavelot, featuring the following military vehicles: an M35 and 25-pounder canon; a protected reconnaissance vehicle (PRV) nicknamed "Dingo"; four command and liaison reconnaissance vehicles (CLRV), the army's newest vehicles designed to replace the PRVs; two protected support and command vehicles (PSCV); one medical PSCV; one Dodge RAM; one multirole logistic support truck (MLST); and a modern BISON vehicle.

The event served as both a solemn tribute and a forward-looking showcase of Luxembourg’s defence priorities and evolving military capabilities.