Between 8,000 and 10,000 people joined an emotional silent march in Copenhagen on Saturday, organized by Denmark’s Veterans’ Association, to protest comments by US President Donald Trump that were seen as downplaying the role of non-US NATO troops in Afghanistan.
The association had expected just over 1,000 participants, but Danes turned out in large numbers despite subzero temperatures, marching in support of veterans and in memory of the 44 Danish soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
Police estimated the crowd at “at least 10,000,” while organizers put the figure between 8,000 and 10,000.
Background to the Protest
Trump sparked outrage in Denmark and across Europe on January 22 when he said European NATO troops had “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
Denmark fought alongside US forces not only in Afghanistan, but also during the Gulf War and in Iraq.
The march began at Kastellet, where a short ceremony was held at the monument to fallen soldiers before participants proceeded silently toward the US embassy, about two kilometers away.
“The demonstration is called #NoWords because that really describes how we feel. We have no words,” said the association’s vice president, Soren Knudsen.
“Obviously, we also want to tell Americans that what Trump said is an insult to us and the values that we defended together.”
Emotional Procession
Some demonstrators carried red-and-white Danish flags, while others wore military uniforms. The procession remained completely silent, with no chanting or slogans. Many participants appeared sombre, and some were visibly emotional.
“We’re very happy that so many people turned out,” Knudsen said outside the US embassy, noting that veterans from the United States and other European countries had also joined the march.
Veteran Henning Andersen, 64, who served as a Danish UN soldier in Cyprus, said: “What Trump said was very insulting. I have friends who were down there. Some of them were wounded, and they carry the war with them even today. He’s saying things he doesn’t know the full truth about.”
A 58-year-old member of Denmark’s home guard, identifying herself only as Orum, added: “How can he even say that? It’s insulting.”
At the front of the march, protesters carried a large red banner reading “NoWords.” Others held hand-drawn placards, including one that read “Trump is so dumb” and another, held by a child, saying “Say sorry, Trump.”
Embassy Response
Earlier in the week, 44 Danish flags bearing the names of soldiers killed in Afghanistan were placed outside the US embassy in response to Trump’s comments. The embassy initially removed the flags, later apologizing and replacing them.
“We have nothing but the deepest respect for Danish veterans and the sacrifices Danish soldiers have made for our shared security. There was no ill intent behind the removal of the flags,” the embassy said in a Facebook post.
On Friday, January 30, the US ambassador placed 44 Danish flags in the flowerbeds. On Saturday, January 31, 52 additional flags were added, with names inscribed on them—44 for those killed in Afghanistan and eight for Danish soldiers who died in Iraq. A minute of silence was observed, and a wreath of red and white flowers was laid.
Despite tensions, Denmark continues to describe the United States as its “closest ally” and remains a strong partner, even amid disputes such as Trump’s expressed interest in Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
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