A woman from Weiterstadt receives the Robert Hébras Medal at the Oktoberfest in Verneuil-sur-Seine
Petra Stiller from Weiterstadt received a special award for her long-standing commitment. At the traditional Oktoberfest in the French twin town of Verneuil-sur-Seine, she was honored with the Robert Hébras Medal. The town thus recognized her decades of dedication to Franco-German understanding and the promotion of personal encounters between people of both countries.
Weiterstadt was also represented at the festival in terms of cuisine. Members of the town twinning working group brought Darmstadt beer to France, which was very well received by the visitors.
Darmstadt beer sold out at Oktoberfest
For the sixth time, the French twin town of Verneuil-sur-Seine hosted its Oktoberfest. A diverse range of regional breweries, select wines, and culinary specialties awaited guests in the market square.
A diverse music program and activities for children made the festival a meeting place for the whole family.
Five members of the Weiterstadt town twinning working group traveled to France and brought Darmstadt beer with them. Together with members of the French twinning committee, they took over serving the beer.
The South Hessian specialty proved to be popular: the last barrel was emptied even before the official end of the event.
The Robert Hébras Medal commemorates reconciliation
A highlight of the Oktoberfest was the traditional awarding of the Robert Hébras Medal by the city of Verneuil-sur-Seine.
The award commemorates Robert Hébras, one of the few survivors of the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre. On June 10, 1944, members of the Waffen-SS murdered hundreds of people in the French town.
For decades after the Second World War, Robert Hébras dedicated himself to Franco-German reconciliation. His granddaughter Agathe Hébras continues this legacy.
With the medal named after him, Verneuil-sur-Seine honors people who are particularly committed to understanding and friendship between Germany and France.
Petra Stiller promotes exchange among young people
This year the award went to Petra Stiller. She has been committed to Franco-German friendship and personal encounters between people of both countries for decades.
A particular focus of their work is the exchange of young people. This includes, among other things, exchange projects within the framework of the European Erasmus program.
In addition, Stiller is committed to the annual exchange between the basketball teams of SG Weiterstadt and the French club VAC Basket.
Through these activities, it contributes to bringing the town twinning to life not only on an official level, but also in club life and through personal contacts.
Town twinning thrives on personal encounters
The Oktoberfest in Verneuil-sur-Seine once again demonstrated the diverse ways in which the relationships between the two twin cities are structured.
Joint events, cultural exchange, sporting encounters and voluntary engagement create opportunities to bring people together across national borders.
The award to Petra Stiller underlines the importance of personal commitment to a vibrant Franco-German partnership.
(WEITERSTADT – RED/PSW)
