Firefighter Banned from All Offices Following National Anthem Controversy - Now in News: Heino Reports
In a surprising turn of events, German singer Heino has spoken out in support of a firefighter who was recently dismissed for playing an historically sensitive version of the German national anthem at a firefighting sports championship.
The incident occurred at the German Firefighting Championships in Torgau, Saxony, where the firefighter, a long-standing volunteer, unintentionally played a 1979 recording of the national anthem by Heino. This version includes all three stanzas, including the first verse that is historically charged.
Following the scandal, the German Firefighters' Association distanced itself from the incident and relieved the firefighter of all functions. However, Heino, who has caused controversies throughout his career, finds the handling of the firefighter's dismissal "exaggerated."
In an Instagram post, Heino expressed his opinion, stating that he believes the firefighter should be given a second chance due to his long-term service to the camaraderie and the community. Heino also hinted that he could imagine performing at the firefighter's place of residence in Bad Belzig, Brandenburg, for "educational purposes."
It is worth noting that the other stanzas of the German national anthem, known as the Song of Germany, are not banned. Today, only the third stanza with the words "Unity and justice and freedom" is the national anthem of Germany. The first stanza, which was played at the championship before it was stopped, is historically sensitive due to its reference to the Holy Roman Empire.
Heino himself has a history with the national anthem, having once recorded all three stanzas at the request of the then Baden-Württemberg Minister President Hans Filbinger (CDU). This controversial version was sung by Heino in 1979.
As of now, no further developments or official action beyond Heino's call for a second chance have been reported. The firefighter in question remains dismissed, but the public debate sparked by Heino's intervention continues.
Celebrities, such as German singer Heino, have weighed in on the controversial dismissal of a firefighter who played a sensitive version of the national anthem. Heino, known for causing controversies throughout his career, believes the firefighter should be given a second chance and even hinted at a possible performance for "educational purposes."
