Danish Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus says he is willing to examine whether sailors on the Navy’s Arctic ships should be granted veteran status, but he made no promises to the crews who were left out of this year’s Flag Day honors.
Soldiers and sailors in 1. Eskadre, the unit that operates the Danish Armed Forces’ Arctic ships around Greenland, are not included in the Flag Day tributes to deployed Danish personnel. DR reported on September 5 that the crews have appealed to Bruus, a Social Democrat, for equal treatment.
The crews want three things: to be honored alongside other deployed personnel on Flag Day, to receive a medal, and above all to obtain veteran status. Several sources told DR that the absence of these recognitions leaves them feeling overlooked and deprioritized.
Bruus told DR that he has enormous gratitude and recognition for their work. He said the ministry works continuously on veteran policy and will keep doing so, but he offered no specific commitment or timeline.
Why the Arctic crews fall outside the rules
Sailing in Greenlandic waters is classified as a national operation rather than an international mission. According to the Ministry of Defense, veteran status under current policy requires service in at least one international operation.
That is why other personnel qualify. Danish troops posted to Camp Valdemar in Latvia, who contribute to deterrence against Russia, fall inside the definition. So do Navy personnel serving with Frontex, the European Union’s border and coast guard agency, which monitors the EU’s external borders.
The Arctic ships patrol waters that the Armed Forces describe as dangerous. Their tasks include enforcing the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark around Greenland and rescuing people in distress. Crews are away from home for long stretches at a time.
Asked whether the current dividing line is fair, Bruus said it is entirely reasonable to raise the question. He added that he is ready to look at where that line should be drawn, and that he is open to the rules looking different.
Pressed on where he thinks the line belongs, the minister said that is what the ministry will continue to work on. He noted that Danish veteran policy has developed considerably over the years and that the work is not finished.
What Flag Day marks
Flag Day is marked each year on September 5, when the Dannebrog is raised and deployed Danish personnel are honored. On Instagram, the Armed Forces described the day as a thank you to everyone who stands guard over Denmark.
The Armed Forces wrote that the day honors all those who have put themselves on the line to protect the kingdom and the values Denmark is built on. The 1. Eskadre crews say that description fits their work as well.
