Berlin (d.de) – Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier yesterday awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to 25 people on the occasion of the Day of German Unity on 3 October. According to the Office of the Federal President, the 16 women and nine men have shown outstanding commitment to the values of democracy. The Federal President praised the recipients as role models: “They work to keep our country together and strive every day to make it a better place.”
Those honoured have helped shape the digital transformation, combated violence and extremism, stood up for environmental and climate protection, or volunteered with the Federal Agency for Technical Relief. Others have made outstanding contributions to science, art or culture. All of them share a dedication to social cohesion and to bringing the generations together, said Steinmeier.
Among the recipients is former professional footballer Philipp Lahm – World Cup winner, Champions League winner and former captain of the German national soccer team. In 2007 he set up the Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education, which supports disadvantaged children and young people in Germany and South Africa.
