District Administrator Thomas Will recognizes exceptional commitment to society, culture, sports and town twinning in the Groß-Gerau district
Five citizens from the region were awarded the Hessian State Medal of Honor at the Groß-Gerau District Office. District Administrator Thomas Will presented the awards on Friday, June 26, in the Georg Büchner Hall, praising the recipients' long-standing voluntary commitment in the areas of local politics, culture, sports, town twinning, and club activities.
Despite the sweltering summer temperatures, the ceremony had a festive atmosphere. The event was musically accompanied by violinist Carolin Grün, recipient of the district's cultural promotion prize, and pianist Xiaomeng Wang. To conclude the evening, guests enjoyed a refreshing ice cream.
In his address, District Administrator Thomas Will emphasized the great importance of volunteer work for social cohesion. Quoting the Dalai Lama, he reminded the audience that difficult times demand determination and a sense of responsibility. Especially in times of crisis and social polarization, people are needed who take responsibility and dedicate themselves to the common good.
Five individuals honored for long-standing commitment
The following individuals were awarded the State Honorary Certificate:
- Edeltraud Rech (Bischofsheim) for her many years of service in the Ginsheim-Gustavsburg Town Twinning Association. For many years she has organized citizen and language trips and is committed to Franco-German friendship with the twin town of Bouguenais.
- Karl Norbert Merz (Nauheim) for his decades of service in local politics, the ver.di trade union, as a lay judge, local court chairman, and chairman of the staff council of the Groß-Gerau district savings bank. Even today, he remains active, among other things as treasurer of the Groß-Gerau Social Psychiatric Association.
- Günter Baral (Mainz) for his long-standing service as Finance Director of TV 1883 Bischofsheim and his diverse voluntary commitment, including at the Vogelsberg Höhenclub, in the carnival and as an election helper.
- Michael Moise (Ginsheim-Gustavsburg) for his decades of dedication to karate and as chairman of TSV Ginsheim. Under his leadership, the club's sports program was continuously developed and adapted to new societal needs.
- Walter Seeger (Groß-Gerau) for his outstanding cultural commitment. He was active for many years in the Groß-Gerau cultural café, manages the municipal cinema, is involved in the Friends of the Adult Education Center, and publishes the cultural and events magazine "Dibbegugger".
District Administrator Thomas Will emphasized that all those honored had assumed responsibility for many years and had had a lasting impact on social life in the Groß-Gerau district. Their commitment creates encounters, strengthens cohesion, and enriches the lives of many people far beyond their actual duties.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
Featured image: The honorees at the ceremony at a glance: District Administrator Thomas Will congratulated Karl Norbert Merz, Walter Seeger, Edeltraud Rech, Günter Baral and Michael Moise (from left). Photo: District Administration
