Dieter Bertet, the district administrator continued, was a member of the Freudental municipal council from 1980 to 2018: "That was a remarkable 38 years in total! The fact that the citizens of Freudental held you in high esteem can be measured not only by your long time in office, but also by the fact that you were the SPD's 'king of votes' several times. As a member of the municipal council and even deputy mayor for ten years, you played a decisive role in shaping and driving forward the development of Freudental. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the expansion of the sports facilities and the Birkenwald club center. You always stood up for your goals and were not easily influenced by other opinions - your reliable manner was appreciated by the other members of the municipal council and the citizens."
Allgaier went on to say that Bertet had also shaped the development of Freudental through his voluntary work outside of the municipal council. He recalled that Bertet was a founding member of the "Citizens for Citizens" association in 2006 and, as its managing director, had made a significant contribution to increasing the Freudental Community Foundation's endowment capital to almost 50,000 euros through the organization of cultural events. Bertet is still involved in the association today as 2nd Chairman. Another field of activity is the guided tours of the village, which the honoree has been offering in cooperation with the municipality since 2006. "Another project close to your heart is the Freudental synagogue, whose preservation and historical impact you are responsible for." Bertet is considered the initiator of the Freudental stumbling stone initiative and the initiator of the memorial plaque for Jewish victims. He is also involved in the "Remembering and commemorating" working group, which investigates the fates of many unknown citizens from the Nazi era. Bertet was also actively involved in the "descendants' meeting" in 2017 with descendants of Jewish families from all over the world.
"These various activities show that Association work is a matter of course for you." Bertet has also been involved in sport: since 1972 at SV Freudental as an official, in youth work and as a coach. The ski and leisure department was built up and established by him in the club. As a long-standing department head, ski instructor and trainer - also in soccer - the honoree has a wealth of experience and is indispensable to the club. Bertet had also used his sporting experience and his former work as a secondary school teacher to play a leading role as district chairman in "Jugend trainiert für Olympia". He had been involved in coaching the school teams for 30 years: "Your aim has always been to get children and young people interested in various sports and to offer them a wide range of club opportunities. You have definitely achieved this goal with your commitment here in Freudental."
Allgaier concluded his speech with the words: "I am glad that there are such committed and energetic citizens like you in our district. I wish you and your family all the best for the future, as well as good health, a good time and continued enjoyment in your various tasks!" Allgaier then presented Bertet with the Federal Cross of Merit
