Message of support from twin town

MY BEST wishes to Loughborough

Today is Europe Day, a day which symbolizes solidarity and our standing together.

The coronavirus pandemic is a big challenge for us in our cities, in Europe and all over the world and it will stay this way for the coming weeks or months.

It is very unfortunate that due to this situation meeting friends from the twin towns is impossible, that student exchanges had to be cancelled and that we cannot invite you to Schwäbisch Hall for our traditional cake and fountain festival.

However, our friendship proves itself strong and reliable in this time of crisis and we feel more closely linked with our friends in Epinal, Loughborough, Lappeenranta, Neustrelitz, Zamosc and Karesi/Balikesir than ever. I am certain that the links which have grown over many years will survive this crisis.

There will be a time when we will get together again for a personal exchange, in meetings and for celebrations, a time in which new ideas and projects will strengthen the link between our twin towns and make our friendship closer.

The crisis has brought with it overwhelming acts of support and solidarity, but there are also demands to think of one`s own country first. We must not give in to this temptation. We will only manage this crisis and its long term impact together.

Our twinnings are an expression of this solidarity which has no borders. We should keep them alive and going even more pointedly in the future.

I send you my best wishes for your health to Epinal, Loughborough, Lappeenranta, Neustrelitz, Zamosc and Karesi, also on behalf of the town council and the citizens of Schwäbisch Hall.

Lord Mayor Hermann-Josef Pelgrim Schwäbisch Hall