The ceremony is considered the highest tribute that the German armed forces can pay to a civilian.
On Thursday evening, December 2, a solemn ceremony was held in Berlin dedicated to the farewell of Angela Merkel with the post of German Chancellor.
This is reported by DW.
The traditional military ceremonial act is called “Der Große Zapfenstreich “. It is held in honor of the highest officials of the state, as well as the retiring generals of the army. The ceremony is considered the highest tribute the German military can pay to a civilian. The military marched with inflamed torches.
Was ist der Große Zapfenstreich? Welche Bedeutung hat er heute und wo kommt er her?
Bevor es hier losgeht, ein kurzes Erklärstück #ICYMI: pic.twitter.com/JMpAkXNPN8
– Verteidigungsministerium (@BMVg_Bundeswehr <) December 2, 2021/blockquote>
The publication notes that this ceremony in Germany has been criticized. The torchlight procession of hundreds of soldiers in steel helmets in front of the Reichstag building reminds many of the Nazi marches.
All the ministers in the Merkel governments in different periods were invited to the ceremony – more than 200 people.
Traditionally, the “culprit of the holiday” chooses the musical accompaniment for the ceremony. Merkel chose three compositions, one of which is the 1970s hit Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen (“You Forgot Your Color Film”). Its performer is punk rocker Nina Hagen, like Merkel, originally from East Germany (GDR).
Angela Merkel explained that this song is associated with her youth.
Die Musikstücke:
1. Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen
2. Für mich soll's rote Rosen regnen
3. Großer Gott, wir loben dich #Zapfenstreich pic.twitter.com/5LslmuLvQJ– Verteidigungsministerium (@BMVg_Bundeswehr) December 2, 2021
The chancellor also chose the 18th century Christian anthem “Großer Gott, wirloben Dich” (“Great God, we praise you”) and the song “Für mich soll's rote Rosen” (“It will rain for me red roses”) by the legendary German actress and singer Knef .
Einmarsch des Wachbataillons: Mit dem Großen Zapfenstreich verabschiedet sich die #Bundeswehr von Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel. pic.twitter.com/hdNI8KWhhl
– Verteidigungsministerium (@BMVg_Bundeswehr) December 2, 2021
In her speech, Merkel thanked the doctors fighting the pandemic and wished success to her successor Olaf Scholz and the future government. Voting for the new chancellor and government in the Bundestag will on 8 December . By then, Merkel will continue to serve as Chancellor.
Earlier, Angela Merkel said that after completing her job, does not plan to engage in politics anymore.
