For the second time, Tornado Luxembourg together with the ice hockey team from the U.S. military base of Spangdahlem, and thanks to the generous support of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, hosted a Veterans Day Hockey Game. In front of 500 people, a new season record, Tornado won 17:3 on November 17, one week after Veterans Day and the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.
But don’t let yourself be fooled by the score as it fails to transmit the joy and pride players felt playing this friendly game. Among those players, there was Robo Beran who, after a terrible skiing injury last year, made his first appearance on the ice alongside his sons Thierry and Markus Beran, while his grandson was watching from the bleachers. Everyone around could see the pride in his eyes when Markus, assisted by his elder brother Thierry, shot his first Tornado goal late in the last period. And then, there were the rookies, many of whom were in for their first senior game. Anyone passing near the bench could hear them enjoying themselves, teasing each other about missed passes and blocked goals. During breaks, the young figure skaters of the Patinage Artistique entertained public and hockey players alike with an impressive display of talent and skill.
The score also fails to tell you about U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg J. Randolph Evans stepping on center ice and dropping the puck in a gripping opening ceremony in honor of all those young men and women who served their country so bravely, whether they were fire fighters, police officer, or soldier. Flanked by two WWII re-enactors from the 26th Yankee Division Luxembourg, who had joined the Military Museum of Diekirch in a small exhibition fair prior to the game, Ambassador Evans joined both teams and the 500 spectators in the celebration of duty, honor and sacrifice as taps, followed by national anthems, filled the Kockelscheuer Ice Rink with gravitas and dignity.
But most of all, the score fails to tell you about the special bond that exists between the United States and Luxembourg, forged during WWI and WWII, and that was fostered yesterday in this friendly game between Tornado and Spangdahlem. After the game, both teams went for dinner in a nearby restaurant where Tornado thanked Spangdahlem for their visit and where new plans were made for the next season, so stay tuned. Just like last years, parts of the proceeds will go to support a good cause. This year, Tornado picked Wonschstär, an organization that helps people, especially children, suffering from illness or injuries to realize their dream. Although they might not wear a uniform, these people are fighters as well who deserve our support and help, just like veterans. All this and much more the score cannot tell you, as it reflects mere numbers compared to the feeling of friendship, commitment and altruism that filled people’s heart yesterday, on and off the ice. #BiggerTogether
Olivier Worré
