Military: 120 kilometers: Soldiers march in memory of fallen

In commemoration of fallen, around 150 soldiers and reservists from the Bundeswehr from all over Germany march through Brandenburg to Berlin. The march started on Monday and lasts four days – until Thursday, as the state command Brandenburg announced. The memorial march, which is available for the eighth time this year, is the only major campaign for this occasion nationwide.

The route comprises around 120 kilometers – for 120 Bundeswehr members who have died since 1955, i.e. since the Bundeswehr was founded. In addition, 3,429 meters are added to other people who died. The Bundeswehr is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

“Almost everyone who participates here has a special connection to one of the missions,” said Lieutenant Colonel Detlef Schachel. Accordingly, the march also offers a possibility of memory. “It is particularly important to all of them to be here.” Each participant wears the name band of a dead man on the chest.

The route leads from the military training area in Lehnin (Potsdam-Mittelmark) via Potsdam to Berlin and ends there on Thursday (July 31) with a ceremonial final ceremony at the Honor of the Bundeswehr in the Bendlerblock. In the meantime, traffic restrictions could occur, it said.