The Bundeswehr says goodbye to Chancellor Angela Merkel with a big tattoo. The outgoing head of government gave a short speech before the ceremony, in which she thanked the citizens for their confidence in their work: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Especially now, in the pandemic, it is showing “like in a magnifying glass” how important trust is for a democracy, trust not only in politics and political discourse, but “also trust in facts”. Wherever scientific knowledge is denied, conspiracy theories and agitation spread, contradictions must be heard, she said. Merkel recalled important moments in her reign such as the refugee crisis in 2015 or the financial crisis in 2008. She looked back on her time in the Chancellery with “gratitude and humility”.
Because of the pandemic, unlike usual, there is no reception and a significantly lower number of guests. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is invited as a guest of honor, he is accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender. Among the guests was the future Federal Chancellor-designate Olaf Scholz (SPD). In her speech, Merkel wished him and his government “all the best and a lucky hand and good luck”.
As a musical contribution, Merkel chose the title “For me it should rain red roses” from Hildegard Knef, among other things. In addition to the hymn “Great God, we praise you”, the staff music corps of the Bundeswehr will also play the song “You forgot the color film”, with which the punk singer Nina Hagen landed a hit in the GDR in 1974.
The great tattoo is considered to be the highest honor that the German armed forces can bestow on a civilian. The custom is used to honor Federal Chancellors as well as Federal Presidents and Defense Ministers when they pass. Its origins go back to the 16th century. The ceremony always takes place in the evening and consists of a parade, several pieces of music – including the national anthem – and the march out. Torches are also part of it.