“One time – One place – One human.” These words echo here. They are inscribed on the wall of the Monument over Danmarks internationale indsats War memorial. This monument stands in the Citadel of Copenhagen. It honors Denmark’s international efforts since 1948.
The Monument over Danmarks internationale indsats War memorial was inaugurated on Flag Day. That day was September 5 2011. Queen Margrethe II dedicated it. The Danish people erected it. This monument acknowledges contributions. Thousands of Danes were deployed in international missions. These missions started in 1948.
Artist Finn Reinbothe conceived the Monument over Danmarks internationale indsats War memorial. It features three spaces. Granite-covered walls define these spaces. Built-in lighting illuminates them. One wall displays the inscription. It reads: “En tid – Et sted – Et menneske.” This translates to “One time – One place – One human”.
Another space is dedicated to currently deployed personnel. An eternal flame burns here. Inscriptions bear names of conflict areas. They also list catastrophe zones. The last space is for fallen Danish soldiers. It is a space for commemoration.
Names of the fallen are inscribed. This space is for memory and reflection. It remembers the bereaved. The first fallen name dates back to 1956. The latest is only a couple of months old. Sadly more names may be added. Here, you find names of those who lost their lives. Conflicts and wars took them. Places include Cyprus Kosovo Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Monument over Danmarks internationale indsats War memorial is made of granite. The granite comes from Bornholm. The monument consists of three separate rooms. Each room has its own focus. Each room has its own function. There is no central point.
The Parade Square is the largest space. Official ceremonies are held here. Honors are received. Speeches are given. Music is played. Wreaths are laid. The inscription “En tid – Et sted – Et menneske” is the backdrop.
An octagonal hole pierces the wall. Through it you see a flame. This eternal flame honors the fallen. It also honors those currently in service. They are in danger. An opening in the same wall leads to the next room. This room is for those in active service. Names of conflict areas are written on the wall. Danes have served there since 1948.
The eternal fire burns on a granite fireplace. The fireplace has the same geometry as the hole. It appears cut from the wall. The third room is for reflection. It is for remembrance. Names of those who did not return alive are written here. Flowers are laid under their names.
A well sits in the center of this room. It reflects the sky. A bench surrounds the well. One can sit there in two ways. The well is a central motif. It is a place of meeting. It represents communication. It is life-giving. People meet there. They talk. They share ideas. They find community. They develop their culture.
The Monument over Danmarks internationale indsats War memorial stands as a place of respect. It is respect for those sent out by Denmark. They represent the Defense Civil Defense the Police and other authorities. It is a place to honor them all. Please remember this as you reflect here today.