Hjemkomstparader for danske soldater - ceremoniel fejring af krigeren og den krigsførende nation

Abstract

Within the last two decades Denmark has increasingly manifested itself as a fighting nation. Consequently, Denmark has become the home of a growing population of war veterans, and with inspiration from Britain and the US, ‘traditions’ are now invented to show Danish veterans respect and honor. In this article, we explore one of these new ‘traditions’: homecoming parades. We study the case of the homecoming parade for DANCON ISAF 10 in Copenhagen, February 2011. We approach the parade as a complex and ambiguous ritual that does not only mark the return of veterans to Denmark, but which also brings the distant war in Afghanistan closer to home. We show how the parade celebrates the veterans, pays thanks to their relatives, manifests the fighting nation, and inspires comical as well as critical voices. We argue that the parade domesticates the veterans, socialises the Danish society, and normalises Denmark at war.