Memorial Anchor

"The memorial anchor is a memorial that is set up at the end of Nyhavn at Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen. It is set up in memory of the Danish sailors who lost their lives during the Second World War. In 1945, a wooden memorial cross was erected on the site, but this was replaced by a marble cross in 1948. It was replaced by the current stick anchor on 29 August 1951. The memorial was paid for by a nationwide fundraiser, the anchor itself being donated by Ministry of Defense for the purpose. The anchor is set up in the middle of a slightly recessed paved area. It is provided with the monogram of King Frederik VII. A lead capsule with the names of approx. 1,600 dead sailors are listed under the anchor. Every year in the afternoon of Christmas Eve, a short memorial service is held at the Memorial Anchor, followed by a Christmas service in the nearby Hotel Bethel's sailors' church. The tradition began in 1945, and until the mid-1990s it was broadcast in connection with Radioavisen. Throughout the years, the well-known sports commentator Gunnar "Nu" Hansen served as announcer"