The US embassy removes Danish veterans' flags in Copenhagen, and politicians demand an apology from the embassy.

According to TV2, the US Embassy in Copenhagen, United States of America (Amerikas Forenede Stater), on Tuesday removed 44 Danish flags that had been placed by Danish veterans to commemorate the 44 Danish soldiers who died during Denmark's participation in the war in Afghanistan.

Controversy erupted in Denmark over the US embassy's actions, with calls for the flags to be returned and a formal apology issued. Meanwhile, veterans and their supporters are preparing for another demonstration outside the US embassy on Saturday to reaffirm their respect for the memory of Danish soldiers killed in the war in Afghanistan.

Background of the flags being placed in front of the US embassy

Danish veterans placed flags in flowerbeds in front of the US Embassy in Copenhagen, on a public road, to commemorate Danish soldiers who lost their lives during the war in Afghanistan. This action followed comments made by US President Donald Trump in an interview with Fox News, in which he said that NATO forces in Afghanistan had "stayed a little bit back, a little bit away from the front lines," remarks that sparked angry reactions internationally, particularly in Denmark.

The US embassy justifies the removal of the flags.

The US Embassy stated in a written response to TV2 that the flags were removed because the demonstration had not been reported to the relevant authorities and police, and because the flags had not been placed by embassy staff or in coordination with them. The embassy explained that demonstrations often leave flags, banners, and protest signs around the building, and that security personnel do not usually prevent the placement of these materials, but generally remove them and clean the area afterward.

The embassy spokesperson confirmed this in a written message:
«There was no ill intent behind the removal of the flags,» the embassy added. «Had the embassy leadership been aware of the purpose of this action, we would have instructed that the flags remain in place.» The embassy concluded its response by saying, «We hold the Danish veterans in the highest esteem and acknowledge their sacrifices, which have contributed to our shared security.».

TV2's data contradicts the embassy's account.

TV2 reported that its own information contradicted the US Embassy's explanation, as it confirmed that the embassy became aware of the flags almost immediately, and that security personnel contacted veterans and agreed to place the flags in the flowerbeds in front of the building. The website indicated that it conveyed this information to the US Embassy and requested a comment on it, but had not received any response by the time of publication.

Citizens raise flags again in front of the embassy

Danish pensioner Jørn Andersen, who is retired due to disability, placed new Danish flags in the flowerbeds in front of the US embassy after expressing his displeasure at the removal of the original flags. Jørn Andersen told TV2:
«"They have no respect for any human beings," he explained, adding that he put up the flags in solidarity with Danish soldiers returning from conflict zones with permanent disabilities.

Maja Schlein Staal, a former Danish soldier who served on overseas missions, also placed new flags in front of the embassy in protest against the removal of the flags and the US president's statements regarding the role of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Copenhagen's mayor for climate and environment describes the removal as disrespectful.

Copenhagen's mayor for climate, environment, and technology, Line Barfod of the Unity List party, described the embassy's move as "disrespectful," even though the flowerbeds belong to the US embassy. In a written statement to TV2, she said: "I find it completely disrespectful that the embassy has chosen to remove the flags from its own flowerbeds. They represented a quiet and respectful tribute to the enormous effort made by Danish soldiers deployed over many years. I therefore strongly urge the embassy to replace the flags.".

Copenhagen Municipality clarifies the legal situation

The Copenhagen municipality's climate, environment, and technology department explained to TV2 that the flowerbeds where the flags were placed are owned and operated by the US embassy as part of its security measures against attacks. They confirmed that the embassy is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the flowerbeds, which gives it the legal right to remove the flags, even though the flowerbeds are located on a public road.

Political criticism from the Danish parliament

Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen, the Socialist People's Party (SF) spokesperson for defense affairs, said the US embassy acted "inappropriately and unnecessarily." Speaking to TV2, she added, "Forty-four lives were lost, forty-four families were devastated, a quiet and respectful moment of remembrance is observed, and then the flags are removed, even from a public road." She announced her intention to question Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard about whether the US embassy had the right to remove Danish flags from a public road.

Carsten Bach, the Liberal Alliance's defense spokesman, described the embassy's action as "insensitive" and showing "a lack of responsibility," telling TV2: "I see this action as bordering on rude, when flags that were put up in respect and remembrance of Danish veterans are removed.".

He added that it would be appropriate for official representatives of the Danish government to comment on the issue or to participate in the demonstration planned for Saturday, which will include five minutes of silence in front of the US embassy.

Mayor accuses Americans of insulting veterans

Copenhagen's mayor for health and welfare, Jens-Kristian Lütken of the Venstre party, said Danes were accustomed to observing how Americans honor their veterans, lamenting what he described as Americans "trampling on" Danish veterans. He added, "We fought alongside the Americans in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, and we lost a significant number of soldiers in Afghanistan—relative to our population—about the same number as the United States.".

He expressed hope that the US embassy would issue a formal apology, describing the US actions and statements towards Danish veterans as "completely inappropriate.".

Veterans describe the removal as excessive.

Lucas Lidegaard, a former Danish soldier who served several tours in Afghanistan, said the removal of the flags was an "overreaction" to a largely peaceful demonstration. Speaking to TV2, he added, "We have to be very careful. There are veterans who have been through a lot and didn't deserve this kind of statement." He emphasized that Trump's remarks did not represent all American soldiers, but were solely the president's opinion.

Veterans Affairs chief doubts apology will be issued

The head of the Danish Veterans Association, Carsten Rasmussen, described the flag-raising initiative as "beautiful," "gracious," and "respectful," while deeming the US embassy's reaction "insensitive" and "unnecessary." He told TV2, "No, perhaps it's unrealistic to expect an apology, but a gesture is possible. It would be a nice gesture if the US ambassador offered an apology." Rasmussen did not rule out raising the flags again during Saturday's planned demonstration, which will include five minutes of silence in front of the US embassy to honor Danish soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.