Nine-year-old hero hands on peace light to the EU Commission in Brussels!

Nine-year-old hero hands on peace light to the EU Commission in Brussels!

Brüssel, Belgien - on Wednesday, December 5, 2024, the nine-year-old Matthias Secklehner from Gschwandt (district of Gmunden) became an emotional center in Brussels when he Friedenslicht EU commissioners, including Magnus Brunner, handed over. Matthias, who was selected as a peace light this year, received this special honor due to his brave first aid performance when he helped an injured hiker. He was accompanied by Governor Thomas Stelzer and a delegation from Upper Austria. Brunner commented on the reception of peace light, but also emphasized the constant need to stand up for peace.

The peace light that Matthias had previously ceremoniously picked up in the Christkindl pilgrimage church has been an important European sign of peace and solidarity since 1999. Stelzer said that in a year it was particularly important to set this signal with so many challenges. Matthias himself described the handover as a great honor and an important experience that he will never forget. This special ceremony showed the remarkable connection between youthful courage and the pursuit of peace, as well as from underlined.