The "yellow ribbon," also known as the "Yellow Ribbon," stands for "Support our troops" or, translated, for solidarity with our soldiers. This distinctive symbol, which was also printed with the Merzig city coat of arms, is meant to express gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding work performed by the Bundeswehr in its many areas of deployment.
The district town of Merzig has a long and deeply rooted tradition with the Bundeswehr. For over 40 years, the Parachute Infantry Battalion 262 was based in the "Auf der Ell" barracks and was fully integrated as a reliable partner within the local population. Since 2013, there has been an official sponsorship between the district town of Merzig and the Bundeswehr location Merzig at the "Auf der Ell" barracks. Due to changes in Bundeswehr structures, this sponsorship was renewed in 2015 with the Parachute Infantry Regiment 26. Today, the regiment provides logistical and medical support forces as well as a training company for both domestic and international duties with personnel and equipment. The "Auf der Ell" barracks, with around 800 Bundeswehr members, is the largest garrison of the Bundeswehr in Saarland.
“The Bundeswehr is always a reliable partner for the district town of Merzig and its citizens, whose active support we can count on at any time,” emphasized Mayor Marcus Hoffeld on the occasion of the placement of the yellow ribbons on February 1, 2023, in the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Henkel, Commander of the Paratrooper Regiment 26, Dr. Clara Röhl, Senior Medical Officer and Senior Officer of the barracks ‘Auf der Ell,’ municipal aldermen, the faction leaders in the Merzig city council, as well as Günter Simon, who during a city council meeting suggested placing the yellow ribbon as an outward sign of solidarity and lived cooperation with the Bundeswehr. “The soldiers are an integral part of the social and societal life of our city. Over the course of more than 50 years, the Bundeswehr has become an indispensable institution here in Merzig,” Hoffeld thanked all involved and praised the long-standing and trusting cooperation that the district town has shared with the Bundeswehr for decades. “The placement of the yellow ribbons is an expression of this excellent relationship, which we want to maintain and further develop in the future,” explained the mayor.
“Many soldiers from the base are residents of the district town and an integral part of the community. The yellow ribbon is a beautiful and visible symbol of how much we as the Bundeswehr are recognized and appreciated here in the region,” said the commander of the 26th Paratrooper Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Henkel.
