Brandenburg’s Minister President, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), presented the State Merit Order-the highest recognition the state bestows-to moderator Günther Jauch and twelve other citizens on Friday. The presentation took place at the Potsdam State Chancellery. This decoration, which is traditionally bestowed in June on Constitution Day, is intended to honor those who have made significant contributions to the region.
Günther Jauch was recognized for his long-term support of renovation and restoration projects within the historic palace and garden grounds of the state capital. For more than 25 years, Jauch has supplied financial donations to preserve sites ranging from the Marble Palace of Neuer Garten and the vineyards, the Peace Church, and the Neptune Grotto in Sanssouci, to the Lion Fountain in Glienicke. According to the state government, these projects would have been barely possible without Jauch’s dedication.
Woidke praised Jauch, noting that “with his unique character and his love for the city of Potsdam, Günther Jauch has moved much for Brandenburg. His long-standing commitment to culture and monument preservation is a great asset for us and for future generations. He never seeks to be in the spotlight; instead, he gets involved and supports where help is urgently needed.”
Among the other recipients was Richard Fagot, a Holocaust survivor from Tel Aviv, who shares his experiences at the memorial sites of Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück. Woidke emphasized that he viewed the commitment of all the awardees as a role model for anyone wishing to make a positive difference.
