Jena residents receive Federal Order of Merit

On September 29, 2025, the ceremonial presentation of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany took place in Erfurt's Kaisersaal. Minister President Mario Voigt presented the awards to eight Thuringians who have rendered outstanding services to the common good. Among the honorees are two personalities from Jena, who were each awarded the Cross of Merit on Ribbon: Hans-Joachim Schmiede and Dirk Strecker.

Hans-Joachim Schmiede, Honorary President of the Thuringian Dance Sport Association, has shaped dance sport in Thuringia for over six decades. Together with his wife Inge, he founded a cultural group for ballroom dancing in Jena back in 1962, which later became the Tanzclub Kristall Jena. As co-founder and first president of the Thuringian Dancesport Association, he established club and association structures that are still in place today. Even today, at the age of 88, he is still active as a coach and mentor for young dancers and a role model for generations.

For almost 20 years, Dirk Strecker has dedicated his life to caring for his daughter Linn, who has severe multiple disabilities. In addition to this personal task, he has been committed to helping parents and relatives of seriously ill children for many years, both in Jena and throughout Thuringia. As chairman of the association "Elternmentoren Jena" e.V., in children's hospice work or in the association "INTENSIVkinder zu Hause" e.V., he contributes his experience, creates networks and gives other families support and orientation. With his openness and courage, he makes it clear to those affected that they are not alone with their challenges.

Mayor Benjamin Koppe, who attended the award ceremony in the Kaisersaal on behalf of the city of Jena, said: "Dirk Strecker and Hans-Joachim Schmiede show in very different ways how much personal commitment can enrich the lives of many people. Mr. Strecker gives families guidance and strength in difficult situations, while Mr. Schmiede has passionately shaped dance sport in Jena and Thuringia for decades. Both stand for values that define our city. The fact that they have been awarded the Federal Order of Merit fills the city of Jena with pride. On behalf of the entire city of Jena, I would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to both of them for their tireless commitment."

Zwei ausgezeichnete Jenaer (v.l.): Ministerpräsident Mario Voigt, Hans-Joachim Schmiede, Dirk Strecker, Bürgermeister und Dezernent Benjamin Koppe