Credit: Armée luxembourgeoise
On Friday 19 December 2025, the Luxembourg Army closed the year 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, as well as numerous guests of honour, including representatives of charitable associations benefiting from donations made by the Army.
The vigil, which was held at the Grand-Duc Jean barracks in Diekirch, offered a moment of reflection and togetherness, highlighting the spirit of Christmas while recalling the armed forces’ ongoing commitment at national, international, operational and societal levels.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to review the Army’s key achievements in 2025 and to pay tribute to Luxembourg soldiers deployed abroad, who continue to carry out their missions far from their families and loved ones.
As part of its social engagement, the Army made donations to several organisations. These included ALAN Maladies Rares Luxembourg Asbl, supporting people and families affected by rare diseases; Een Häerz fir Kriibskrank Kanner Asbl, supporting children with cancer and their families; and LUkraine Asbl, providing humanitarian and cultural assistance for Ukraine.
The medal for “meritorious military sportsman 2025” was awarded by General Steve Thull to First Corporal Luka Mladenovic for his outstanding performances in table tennis. The distinction was also granted to First Corporal Loïc Bettendorf for his achievements in cycling, with the official presentation to take place at a later date due to his absence. Prizes were additionally awarded to the winners of inter-company competitions and military championships.
In addition, General Steve Thull presented the insignia of “Army Honorary Corporal” to Claude Winandy, senior manager within the Administration of Public Buildings, in recognition of his commitment and continued support for the Luxembourg Army.
General Steve Thull expressed his gratitude to members of the Army and recalled the essential role of the Luxembourg Armed Forces: “As a pillar of national and international defence, the Luxembourg Army engages alongside its allies in joint missions and exercises. Our Christmas vigil illustrates the strong bond between members of the Army and civil society and pays tribute to those who assume their share of collective defence efforts every day. Interoperability and collaboration are at the heart of our force development. The modernisation of our vehicle fleet, our armaments and the intensification of our training demonstrate our determination to transform in order to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
In her speech, Minister Backes reviewed the political and military activities of 2025, highlighting an issue of particular importance for the Army: “Two days ago, the government approved a package of measures aimed at making military service more attractive. These measures are essential to enable the Army to recruit the personnel it needs. We need more women and men willing to contribute to national and collective defence.”
During the celebration, slideshows showcased the wide range of activities carried out over recent months, reflecting the esprit de corps and cohesion that characterise the Luxembourg Army. Musical interludes by the Grand Ducal Military Band contributed to the solemn and festive atmosphere.
The Luxembourg Army thanked all those who took part in the event and reaffirmed its commitment to its core values: commitment, uprightness and reliability.
