Everything you need to know about Denmark’s Flag Day

photos: Constance Waerseggers

Every year on September 5th, Denmark celebrates Flag Day, a national event honoring military personnel deployed internationally and thanking them for their service to the nation.

Caption: young Danish soldier on guard (copyright: Constance Waerseggers)
Young Danish soldier on guard, surveilling the crowd.

On this day, events are held all over the country, including in the Faroe Islands and Greenland. In Copenhagen, the King and Queen, the government, members of Parliament, as well as numerous international diplomats and high-ranking military officials, participate in moving tributes during memorial services and parades.

In the afternoon, people flock to Christiansborg Slotsplads, the public square in front of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. Attendees enjoy performances by the Lifeguard’s Music Corps, catch a glimpse of the royal couple, and listen to various speeches.

Caption: the lively lifeguard’s music corps (copyright: Constance Waerseggers)
The lively Lifeguard’s Music Corps.

The parade in itself consisted of almost 700 soldiers, from all the different armed forces, from the National Emergency Management Agency, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Police.

Marching soldiers during the parade.
Marching soldiers during the parade.

Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, delivered a well-received speech, expressing gratitude to the delegates. HM King Frederik, seated next to Queen Mary, was seen sharing a heartfelt smile. Other notable speeches were given by prominent figures, such as Laila Reenberg, Director of the Danish Emergency Management Agency, or Thorkild Fogde, the National Police Chief.

HM King Frederik sitting next to Queen Mary.
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen (photo: Constance Waerseggers)
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen giving a speech.

It is worth noting that the international press doesn’t seem to have covered the event.

Other snapshots of the day:

This news article can be suitable for a media that makes quick and very factual international news, such as Euronews. The audience might be educated, cosmopolitan white collars, in search of quick factual international news.