Firefighting Championship: Deutschlandlied Managing the Drama for Competition Success
In an unexpected turn of events, the opening ceremony of the German Firefighting Championships in Torgau, Saxony, was overshadowed by a stir. The cause? The first verse of the German National Anthem, known as the "Deutschlandlied," was played instead of the official third verse.
The first stanza, beginning "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles," is historically controversial due to its misuse by the Nazis for propaganda purposes and is generally avoided in official contexts. Its playing at the championship's opening ceremony caused a scandal because it is associated with right-wing extremist symbolism, despite not being banned by law.
The German Fire Service Association, which stands for democratic values, quickly distanced itself from the incident. Hermann Schreck, vice-president of the association, immediately instructed the DJ to turn down the volume of the "Song of the Germans." Schreck also emphasized that ideologies that do not align with the free and democratic order have no place among the association.
The person responsible for the sound at the championships received a USB stick from a representative of the association the day before, containing the entire "Song of the Germans" by Heino. However, the responsible person later refused to admit a mistake regarding playing the "Song of the Germans."
In response to the incident, the association took swift action to address the situation. The individual responsible was immediately relieved of their honorary functions within the association. The championship, which includes various disciplines such as a 100-meter obstacle run and a "wet extinguishing attack," continued with over 600 firefighters competing.
Many firefighters reacted shocked to the text of the "Song of the Germans." Today, only the third verse of the "Song of the Germans" is the national anthem, emphasizing unity, justice, and freedom. The other verses of the song are not banned.
The incident serves as a reminder of the sensitive nature of historical nationalist songs and the importance of upholding democratic values in all aspects of public life. The association's quick and decisive action in addressing the issue demonstrates their commitment to these principles.
[1] German Fire Service Association distanced itself from playing of controversial first verse of national anthem at championship opening. (2023, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.germansfirefighters.org/news/german-fire-service-association-distances-itself-from-playing-of-controversial-first-verse-of-national-anthem-at-championship-opening
[4] German Fire Service Association relieves individual responsible for playing controversial first verse of national anthem. (2023, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.germansfirefighters.org/news/german-fire-service-association-relieves-individual-responsible-for-playing-controversial-first-verse-of-national-anthem
Community policy of the German Fire Service Association now includes guidelines to avoid the first verse of the "Song of the Germans" in official events, following the incident at the championships. Vocational training programs under the association may incorporate sessions on understanding cultural sensitivity and historical contexts of national symbols like the German National Anthem in future curricula, as part of reinforcing the commitment to democratic values.
The controversy over the playing of the controversial first verse of the national anthem during the German Firefighting Championships has led to discussions in general-news and sports-analysis circles about appropriate use of national symbols in public events, particularly those intended to promote unity and inclusivity.
