The program included honoring particularly deserving and committed citizens, employees and entrepreneurs at a festive city reception. The basis for this event was a unanimous council resolution passed on March 13 of this year.

The evening's special guests of honor were Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil, former Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel and Peter-Jürgen Schneider, former Finance Minister of Lower Saxony and honorary councillor of the city of Salzgitter. Thankfully, the three guests of honor also took on the role of laudatory speakers for the honorary citizens.

Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel opened the evening: "Today we would like to thank particularly deserving people for their outstanding commitment to our city. They have made a difference in very different areas - organizing social projects, putting on cultural events, supporting our town twinning, taking responsibility for our environment and strengthening Salzgitter as a business location." According to Klingebiel, he is particularly pleased "that the basis for all the awards is a unanimous decision supported by all council groups."

The laudators also found extremely moving words in their speeches. In his laudatory speech for Honorary Citizen Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heinz Fuhrmann, Sigmar Gabriel acknowledged his role as Chairman of the Fuhrmann Fan Club. "No one else I know," Gabriel continued, "is more committed to Germany as a business location than Prof. Heinz Fuhrmann." Federal Minister Hubertus Heil then gave the speech for honorary citizen Hildegard Schooß and emphasized her "amiable, tenacious and persistent determination" with which she tackles things. "Her commitment began with a laundry room and today her idea of a multi-generation house is known beyond Germany."

In his laudatory speech, Peter-Jürgen Schneider presented the voluntary work of honorary citizen Erika Bolm and emphasized her special commitment to a more social society. "In addition to her decades of commitment to the Reichsbund and today's German Social Association, she was also active on the council and the social committee for 30 years - always charming and assertive," continued Peter-Jürgen Schneider in his laudatory speech. Schneider emphasized that Erika Bolm was not only the only honorary female mayor to date, but that she and Hildegard Schooß are now also the first honorary citizens of Salzgitter.

The presentation of the city medals was also part of the evening's program. Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel, First Mayor Stefan Klein and Second Mayor Marcel Bürger honored Kevin Small, Wolfgang Pozzato, Rosemarie Streich, Thomas Ohlendorf and posthumously Elke Zacharias, who passed away on the day of the council decision. Her sister, Waltraud Nagler, accepted the award for her life's work. Kevin Small, councillor from our twin town of Swindon, was so impressed by the award that he ended his speech of thanks with the emotional statement "I am a Salzgitterian!" in the style of J.-F. Kennedy.

First Mayor Stefan Klein honored Wolfgang Pozzato, who has played such a decisive role in shaping the cultural scene in Salzgitter and to whom the Kniki owes its reputation as a popular venue beyond the city limits.

However, in addition to his cultural work, Pozzato is also known for his outstanding social commitment.

Klein then paid tribute to Rosemarie Streich, whom he praised as a fearless lady who has been an activist in the anti-nuclear movement since the very beginning and is a role model with her objective, non-violent and open manner.

Taking responsibility for oneself and others and valuing, respecting and preserving the world in which we live is also what City Medal winner Thomas Ohlendorff stands for. Second Mayor Marcel Bürger honored the long-time BUND chairman for his commitment to environmental policy.

The Chairman of the Salzgitter City Council, Bernd Grabb, then presented the awards for deserving entrepreneurs. Lindhofer GmbH und Co KG, Möhlenhoff GmbH and Wiese Maschinenbau were honored. They strengthen Salzgitter as a business location, are impressively committed to their employees and have taken on a wide range of social responsibilities in our city.

At the end of the evening, Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel honored the deserving employees. Holger Danke and Horst Ludewig were honored. "Both have worked tirelessly for the interests of employees and thus preserved social justice in our city," emphasized Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel in his speech. Andreas Blechner was also honored as a deserving employee, although he was unable to attend the city reception.

Musical accompaniment for the reception was provided by the duo Schulz and Wickmann, tenor Quintino Cruciano and Alex Parker on the piano.