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March of Connectedness: Solidarity for our soldiers in the Upper Palatinate
The second stage of the March of Connectedness took soldiers and civilians to Sulzbach-Rosenberg to show solidarity.
March of Connectedness: Solidarity for our soldiers in the Upper Palatinate
The March of Connectedness, a significant event launched since 2010, once again brought many people together this year. Irmengrad Röhle, who was then working as Vice President for Care and Welfare in the Reservist Association, started the initiative to send a strong signal of solidarity for the soldiers who are deployed abroad. Regardless of political views, this march is intended to show empathy and support for the troops.
This year the Upper Palatinate district group was responsible for the organization. The march began on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Kümmersbruck at the Schweppermann barracks and led the participants to the market square in Amberg, where they received a warm welcome. The second stage of the march started on Sunday and took participants from Amberg to Sulzbach-Rosenberg, with a stopover in Poppenricht.
The march in Sulzbach-Rosenberg
The marchers, consisting of active soldiers, reservists and civilians, initially moved at walking pace before forming up and marching in step. Led by Fritz Haberberger, the drummer of the Bergknappenkapelle, they marched into the city center to Luitpoldplatz in front of the town hall. The police, led by Michael Kernebeck, ensured the safety of the participants and accompanied the march with a police car.
A few short speeches took place in front of the town hall. Colonel d.R. Bertram Gebhard and the First Mayor Stefan Frank welcomed the soldiers. Frank emphasized: “Your commitment and commitment send a powerful message; you are defending our most valuable assets: peace and freedom.” Bundestag member Susanne Hierl, who also took part in the march, said that it was an honor for her to take part and that the Bundeswehr needed to be made more visible.
Symbol of connection
A special feature of the march is the two-meter-long yellow ribbon that is carried at each stage. This ribbon is signed by participants and officials and symbolizes the bond with the soldiers in action. When a unit deploys, it receives a ribbon like this with signatures from home to show support.
After the greetings and the signing of the yellow ribbon, the marchers were treated to a hearty lunch of stew, potatoes and Vienna sausages in the town hall. This tradition of eating together not only strengthens solidarity, but also offers an opportunity to share the day's experiences and celebrate community.