At least 10,000 people took part today, in bitter cold, in a silent march in the center of Copenhagen, condemning the statements of the American president that questioned the contribution of NATO allies, and especially Danish soldiers, in the war in Afghanistan. The demonstration was organized by the Danish Veterans Association, sending a message of dignity, remembrance and protest.
The reason: Trump’s statements and the reaction of allies
Anger in Denmark and other NATO countries was sparked on January 22 when Donald Trump said that allied troops were “staying a little too far from the front lines” during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. These statements were considered insulting to countries that fought and lost soldiers alongside American forces.
Fallen flags and the episode with the embassy
In a symbolic response, 44 Danish flags bearing the names of an equal number of fallen soldiers in Afghanistan were planted in flower beds in front of the American embassy in Copenhagen. Their removal from the embassy on Tuesday sparked a new wave of reactions, before the embassy apologized, clarifying that the flower beds belong to it and not in a public space.
A few days later, the American ambassador himself brought back the 44 flags, and 52 more were expected to be added on Saturday, honoring a total of 44 Danes killed in Afghanistan and the eight who lost their lives in Iraq.
From Castellet to the American Embassy
The march started from Kastelet, Copenhagen’s historic citadel, where a short ceremony was held at the war memorial. From there, the protesters marched silently toward the American embassy, about two kilometers away.
People of all ages, some in military uniforms and others holding red and white Danish flags, took part in the procession. At the head of the march was a large red banner with the phrase “No Words”.
“Without Words”: a message of silence and dignity
A minute’s silence was observed in front of the embassy and a wreath of red and white flowers was laid. “The demonstration is titled ‘Without Words’ because it really describes what we feel, we don’t have words,” Søren Knudsen, vice president of the Danish Veterans Association, told AFP. As he added, the aim was to send a clear message that Trump’s statements are an insult to the Danish soldiers and to the common values they defended with the Americans.
Voices of rage and personal testimonies
Although the march was silent, the messages on the placards were eloquent. “Trump, apologize!” one wrote, while another, holding a child, repeated the same request. There were also angrier slogans, reflecting the indignation of the participants.
Henning Andersen, 64, a veteran of the UN mission in Cyprus, said Trump’s remarks were “very offensive”. “I have friends who served in Afghanistan. Some were injured and still bear the scars of war,” he said, wearing four military decorations. As he pointed out, the American president “says things about which he does not know the whole truth”.
Allies despite tensions
Despite strong reactions and recent tensions, including over the issue of Greenland, Denmark still describes the United States as its “closest ally”. Today’s course, however, has shown that this alliance does not negate the need to respect the sacrifices of soldiers and the collective memory of those who fought and lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.
