Verdienstorden: Steinmeier würdigt Einsatz für Demokratie und Zusammenhalt

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier honored 21 individuals with the Federal Republic of Germany's Verdienstorden on the day marking German unity, October 3rd. Among the twelve women and nine men, notable figures such as singer Nana Mouskouri, jazz trombonist Till Brönner, historian Herfried Münkler, and Orientalist Navid Kermani received the Bundesverdienstkreuz.

Steinmeier emphasized the common thread among the recipients: each had contributed to the living, vibrant democracy of their country in their unique ways. The honorees demonstrated their commitment to society and the common good through their efforts. A pair, Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman and her grandson Aron Goodman, shared the award.

The pair use a TikTok channel to inform about their history, the Holocaust crime, and Judaism. Friedman dedicated the honor to the victims of the Holocaust, stating, "I share this award with the six million innocent men, women, and children who were murdered." She wanted those people to know, "We will not be forgotten." At the time of Aron Goodman's honor, Steinmeier noted his birthday, eliciting additional applause from the attendees.

Mouskouri, 91, experienced the German occupation of Greece as a child. In 1961, she came to Germany, where her international breakthrough came with the hit song "White Roses of Athens" in the early 1960s. Mouskouri thanked her audience after receiving the order, acknowledging her success as owing to her reception in Germany. Steinmeier honored Mouskouri not only for her artistic achievements.

The Greek native was also Unicef ambassador in 1993 and served as a member of the European Parliament for the conservative Greek party Nea Dimokratia from 1994 to 1999. The Verdienstorden is the highest state award for merits to the common good, granted for political, economic-social, and cultural contributions. Steinmeier said of the recipients, "They strengthen what binds us."