The Reunification Obelisk in Højeruplund

The monument was erected in 1920 to mark the reunification of North Schleswig with Denmark. The war of 1864 was a disaster for Denmark. We were forced to cede Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg to Prussia (Germany), and it was not until 55 years later, at the peace negotiations in Versailles in 1919, that the possibility of border changes arose. It was decided that the population should choose, by referendum, whether it wished to be part of Denmark or remain part of Germany. The referendum took place in two zones, and the result in Zone 1 (North Schleswig) was 75 % votes in favour of Denmark against 25 % in favour of Germany, whilst the result in Zone 2  (Central Schleswig, including Flensburg) was 75 % pro-German votes to 25% pro-Danish votes.

The result gave Denmark its current border with Germany, and there was great joy across the country over the reunification with North Schleswig (present-day Southern Jutland). The Danish King Christian X participated in the celebrations, and on 10th July 1920, he rode into the regained land with great festivity.

The four fields on the footpiece have the following text:

- Sønderjylland victorious, that is the aim of the battle.

Hedenold 1864 – 1920.

Højeruplund erected this support.

The mind pretends to be nothing, yet is a secret spring.

Registry 1920. Text adopted at a board meeting on 17 June 1920.