On behalf of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, District Administrator Allgaier presented the Federal Cross of Merit to Hartmut Braun in front of numerous invited guests, including the Chairman of the Association for the Preservation of the Alexanderkirche, Herbert Pötzsch, who had helped initiate the award. "The fact that you have a sense of social responsibility can already be seen in your professional career," said Allgaier. As a district notary, Braun was a valued advisor to the citizens of Marbach and went "far beyond the call of duty for private and public institutions - including the church and associations".
Braun was involved in a variety of voluntary work: as a Marbach town councillor from 1980 to 1989, in various associations and, from 1991, as a founding member of the Association for the Preservation of the Alexanderkirche Marbach am Neckar. "This activity is also the reason why we are able to present the award here in this very important church," says Allgaier. As the second chairman of the association, Braun had worked "persistently and with great conviction" for the preservation of the monument, which had been renovated by 2005. Through his tireless campaigning, Braun generated considerable donations. "A total of 1.1 million euros was raised from private donations - that really is an outstanding achievement," Allgaier noted.
Another honorary position was his work as emergency chairman of the Karl Schaude Foundation in Großbottwar-Winzerhausen since 2007. The importance of this activity is demonstrated by the fact that the appointment of an honorary emergency board was a unique event in the country. Braun was not concerned with the possible liquidation of the care facilities "Haus am Wunnenstein" and "Seniorenlandhaus Friedericke" in Abstatt in the Heilbronn district, but with the well-being of the residents. "Their social streak provided the necessary assessment of how the residents' situation could be saved. To this end, a comprehensive social concept was drawn up with the help of the energetic staff of both homes."
Today, both Haus am Wunnenstein and Seniorenlandhaus Friedericke boast top marks and successful certifications. This, as well as the realization of the new building with 78 beds in Winzerhausen, is due to Braun's great commitment, which is far from over, even at the age of 80: "And it continues to go from strength to strength, because just a month ago, the next ground-breaking ceremony for the extension of this new building was celebrated. This brings the number of residents to 117 - and 13 more of the much sought-after short-term care places can be created." According to the District Administrator, he was particularly pleased that the district council had pledged 650,000 euros to support the short-term care places.
Following his speech, District Administrator Allgaier presented Braun with the Federal Cross of Merit.
