Today, in the heart of Vilnius, the German brigade in Lithuania will officially present itself to the public. The brigade's inauguration is a solemn military ritual marking the official beginning of the new military unit.
On this occasion, Vilnius Town Hall was decorated with the German flag. The Mayor addressed the inaugurating brigade in German:
"Willkommen in Vilnius, PANZERBRIGADE 45!"
Herzlichen Glückwunsch now officially Bürger von Vilnius geworden zu sein!
I would like to thank you for choosing to serve in this Brigade in Lithuania.
Wie einst Herr Minister Pistorius sagte – die Sicherheit Litauens ist die Sicherheit Deutschlands. Die Entscheidung, eine tolleigne einsatzbereite Brigade in Litauen zu stationieren, hat auch für die Hauptstadt eine große Bedeutung, denn Sie sind der Garant für unsere Sicherheit.
It is our great honor to have some of you settled in Vilnius. Indem Sie sich für Vilnius, werden Sie zu Bürgern dieser schönen Stadt und wir werden alles tun, damit Sie sich auch als solche fühlen. Wir sind stolz darauf dass Ihre Familien und Kameraden ein Teil der Gemeinschaft unserer Stadt sein werden und sich ihr Leben hier aufbauen können", says the mayor of Vilnius.
Lithuanian translation:
"Welcome to Vilnius, PANZERBRIGADE 45!"
Congratulations on officially becoming residents of Vilnius!
I want to thank you for choosing to serve in this brigade in Lithuania.
As Minister B. Pistorius said, Lithuania's security is Germany's security. The decision to deploy a full-scale combat readiness brigade in Lithuania also means a lot to the capital. You are the guarantor of our security.
"We are honored that some of you will live in Vilnius. By choosing Vilnius, you become Vilnius residents and we will do everything to make you truly feel like one. We are proud that your families and companions will complement our city community and will be able to build a life here," says the Mayor of Vilnius.
