ONE SHOULD BE BY GOD'S GRACE
THAT YOU WILL A COMRADE
ONCE YOU FOUND A COMRADE
YOU CAUGHT THE SUN BY YOUR HAND
(Gorch Fock)
In our times some people may find Gorch Focks belief as emotional or even as illusory. Today we may wonder if egoism and opportunistic behaviour are more important than a meaningful and responsible working and living together.
Since the foundation of our naval society „Bordgemeinschaft der Emdenfahrer“ on 1st January 1997 we try to oppose such developments.
People having once been at sea know: after they experienced wind, weather and the smell of salty water in the nose, they never will forget the fellowship on board of a ship. They always will remember these times, when cheerful and serious things form a community that may be called to be unique – and which possibly may only be formed at sea.
In order to revive these outstanding experiences on shore and to resist the changing trends we joined together with in the naval association „Bordgemeinschaft der Emdenfahrer“. Our goal is not a primitive camaderie, but next to the solidarity it´s our believe, that You have to know Your history in order prevent the mistakes of the past. Therefore we connect reasonable tradition with the present challenges. Not only for us but also for the next generations.
Therefore it is no surprise that not only sailors having served within the navy, the merchant navy or the fishing fleet, but also people interested in history and technical matters are welcomed to our association. We understand ourself as a bridge between sailors and people, who never had been at sea, but having some nostaltic and romantic ideas about seafaring and its undreamed aspects.
Nowadays the former Emden-crewmember live in all parts of Germany and in foreign countries. This is one reason why we are not able to meet regulary as the members of other naval associations do. But we meet once a year during our annual general meeting, which takes place at different locations (changing from year to year). However there are regional activites and meetings; they more or less replace that what in Germany is call the „Stammtisch“ (table reserved for the regulars).
Despite this restriction our members stay in contact by e-mail, fax and phone. Via our website they are informed about the latest maritime developments, tv-programmes about maritime matters, maritime books, magazines and moves. In addition they will be informed by our newsletter (subscription necessary).
Of course we are in contact with other naval associatins, the German Navy and especially to crew of the active German frigate Emden (F210) and to the association HMAS Sydney & VLSVA, which has the same goals than we have.
If You agree with our ideas and goals, just join us and get informed. We are just one click away.
