Controversy at the Firefighter Competition - Distance being Enforced by the Association
In the heart of northern Saxony, the German Firefighter Championships are underway in Torgau. Over 600 participants have been competing since Thursday, showcasing their skills in various disciplines, including a 100-meter hurdles race and a "wet extinguishing attack." However, the opening ceremony was marred by a controversy.
Reports from local newspapers, such as the Leipziger Volkszeitung and the Sächsische Zeitung, revealed that the controversial first verse of the German national anthem, "Germany, Germany above all," was played instead of the official national anthem. This verse, written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841, was misused for propaganda by the National Socialists during their reign.
The individual responsible for the musical selection was a representative of the German Firefighter Association. In response to the incident, Hermann Schreck, Vice President of the German Association of Fire Brigades, confirmed that the person was immediately relieved of their duties. Schreck also distanced himself from the behavior, stating that ideas not in line with the free and democratic basic order have no place in the ranks of the firefighters' association.
Schreck further clarified that only the third verse with the words "Unity and justice and freedom" is the national anthem. The other verses are not banned, but their use in such a context is unacceptable and intolerable. The behavior at the opening ceremony was deemed unacceptable, leading to the person responsible being "immediately relieved" of their honorary positions in the German Firefighters' Association.
It is important to note that the German Firefighter Championships, like the fire departments and the association, stand for democratic values. The association has consistently advocated for these values, and the incident at the opening ceremony does not reflect the values they uphold.
The top three women's and men's teams will qualify for the international competitions of the World Firefighters' Association. Despite the controversy, the championships continue, with the focus now back on the competitors and their performances. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values in all aspects of society, including sports events.
[1] Leipziger Volkszeitung, "Controversy at the Opening of the Firefighter Championships in Torgau," [link] [2] Sächsische Zeitung, "Firefighters' Association Condemns Use of Controversial National Anthem Verse," [link] [3] German Firefighters' Association Press Release, "Immediate Relief of Individual Responsible for Playing Controversial National Anthem Verse," [link]
Firefighters continue to compete vigorously in various sports disciplines at the German Firefighter Championships, despite the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony. Regardless of the incident, the focus is now on the top three women's and men's teams qualifying for international competitions.
