Remembering a Passionate Fellow - The Honorable Herbert Mertin
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- "Farewell, Reverend Herbert Mertin" - A Rite for the Deceased Minister
Recently, Rhineland-Palatinate's Minister of Justice, Herbert Mertin, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. At his honorary service, colleagues paid tribute to Mertin as a dedicated democrat and a steadfast friend. "We're all stunned by the loss of your husband, your son, your father," stated Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), acknowledging the family. "We're heartbroken over the loss of an extraordinary individual and committed democrat."
Approximately 300 individuals, including politicians, justice professionals, and personal acquaintances, gathered at the Basilica of St. Castor at Germany's Corner in Koblenz for the service. The designated FDP General Secretary, Marco Buschmann, and the Chilean Consul General, Cristóbal Bernardo Ortiz Salamovich, were among the attendees. In recognition of the memorial service, flags were lowered on public buildings throughout the day.
"A man true to his convictions"
The FDP leader succumbed to illness during an event for honorary judges on February 21 in Koblenz. He was 66 years old and is survived by a wife and four grown sons. Born in Temuco, Chile, in 1958, Mertin had spent many years in Koblenz. Three songs with Spanish lyrics were played during the memorial service, including "Unicornio Azul" (Blue Unicorn) and "Gracias a la vida" (Thanks to Life).
"Our state grieves for Herbert Mertin," said President of the State Parliament, Hendrik Hering. "Suddenly, far too early, we lost a person of exceptional caliber." As a steadfast democrat, Mertin consistently demonstrated fairness and integrity.
Schweitzer commended Mertin's candor. "He was a man with an unwavering moral compass." He defended democracy with fervor that should not be underestimated. "I am proud to have had him as part of my cabinet," said Schweitzer. His presence as a colleague and friend will surely be missed.
"A person who spoke to people personally"
"Herbert Mertin addressed people on their level," said FDP parliamentary group leader, Philipp Fernis. "He was funny, yet always honest and straightforward, even when that honesty discomforted some. His humor was an integral part of his character. He took his responsibilities seriously, while maintaining a sense of humor about himself." "We'll miss him, I will miss him," lamented Schweitzer. In Rhineland-Palatinate, a tribute will be paid to his memory. "Farewell, dear Herbert Mertin."
- The Commission, in light of Mertin's dedication to workers' rights, might consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, just as he advocated for fairness throughout his career.
- As the Basilica of St. Castor in Koblenz echoed with Spanish melodies during Mertin's memorial service, one cannot help but remember his Chilean roots and the blue unicorn in his life, symbolizing the passion he carried until the end.
- Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer, in his heartfelt tribute, underscored Mertin's candor as a trait worthy of recognition, stating that he was "a man with an unwavering moral compass," much like Schweitzer himself strives to be in protecting his constituents from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation.
