From Soldier to Soldier

The story behind From Soldier to Soldier

The bracelet did not begin in a design studio, but in a camp in Afghanistan. In 2008 the Danish soldier Stefan Hylleborg was deployed to one of the country's poorest provinces. Shortly before, the camp had come under fire during unrest in the town, and a Lithuanian sergeant was hit and died of his wounds. He left a wife and children who were without help and had to move out of their home at the barracks.

In the camp Stefan met the American Todd Ambroz, a former paratrooper, and they became close friends. Todd braided bracelets from parachute cord — a tradition among paratroopers that goes back to World War 2. Back then the bracelet had a practical purpose: the soldier carried several metres of cord when he jumped behind enemy lines. Later it became a sign of friendship, something soldiers braided for each other before a mission, almost like a lucky charm.

Todd wanted to raise money for the fallen sergeant's family. Stefan learned to braid the bracelets, and together they sold them to everyone who came through the camp. In a short time they raised DKK 14.000, which went straight to the family in Lithuania. That was the start of From Soldier to Soldier.

From the camp to Aagaard

Back home in Denmark, family and friends wanted a bracelet too. Stefan contacted a jeweller from his home town of Aabenraa, and through him the idea reached Aagaard, the Danish jewellery company founded in 1946, which put the bracelet into production. The cord is still braided nylon parachute cord, and the clasp is shaped like the button on the soldiers' uniform — a sign of the bond between soldiers and the connection to those at home.

The bracelet is not a political statement. You don't have to take a position on whether a particular conflict was right, and wearing it does not mean you are in favour of war. It shows that you think of those who got an order, went and carried it out — and of those who paid a high price for it.

What you support

On 36 of the bracelets here, Aagaard gives DKK 50 for every bracelet sold to Danish veterans, returned soldiers and their families. It says so on the product page where it applies. The money goes to projects that help them back to an everyday life they can live with, after a deployment that has left its mark. According to Aagaard, DKK 10 million has been given to such projects since the start.

The need has not become smaller. Many veterans come home with physical or mental injuries, and their families carry a large part of the burden. When you buy a bracelet, you help support them — and when you wear it, you show that you have not forgotten them.

A bracelet for everyone

From Soldier to Soldier is worn today by soldiers and veterans, by their families and by many who have never worn a uniform. Friends give it to each other as a friendship bracelet in the old spirit, couples give it to show that they stand together, and others wear it as a personal symbol. What matters most is what you put into it yourself.

Bracelets and field watch

At Nordur you'll find 78 items from 495 kr. to 1.295 kr. The cord comes in black, blue, green and camouflage, and the clasp in sterling silver, gold-plated sterling silver or oxidised silver with motifs such as a compass, a heart, a dove of peace and more. Find your clasp: Oxideret (13), Børstet (10), Fredsdue (10), Hjerte (10), Kompas (10), Sort emalje (10), Dark Bright (8), Maritim (4), Feltur (3). The bracelets are joined by the field watch with a stainless steel case and a canvas strap.

The bracelets come in sizes from 18 to 25 cm. Measure around your wrist with a tape measure and add 1–2 cm. The parachute cord handles everyday life; if it gets dirty, rinse it in lukewarm water and let it dry on its own.

Shop at Nordur

At Nordur you shop with Delivery in 2-3 working days (7-10 from remote warehouse), 99-day returns and 2-year right of complaint. All prices are in Danish kroner incl. VAT. If you are unsure about a size, write to us — we reply within 24 hours on working days.

Frequently asked questions

What is From Soldier to Soldier?

Bracelets in braided parachute cord with a clasp shaped like the button on the soldiers' uniform. The idea was born in 2008 in a camp in Afghanistan, where the Danish soldier Stefan Hylleborg and an American colleague braided and sold bracelets to raise money for the family of a fallen Lithuanian sergeant. Since then Aagaard has put the bracelet into production in support of Danish veterans.

Does money go to the soldiers?

Yes — on 36 of the bracelets, Aagaard gives DKK 50 for every bracelet sold to Danish veterans, returned soldiers and their families. It says so on the product page where it applies.

Are the bracelets only for men?

No. They were first worn by soldiers, but today they are worn by both men and women — as a personal symbol or as a friendship bracelet.

Which size should I choose?

Measure around your wrist with a tape measure and add 1–2 cm. The bracelets come in sizes from 18 to 25 cm, and you choose the size on the item's page.

Can I return a bracelet?

Yes — you get Delivery in 2-3 working days (7-10 from remote warehouse), 99-day returns and 2-year right of complaint. The terms are on the returns page.