Chancellor Merz honors soldiers: First veteran day in Berlin!
Chancellor Merz honors soldiers: First veteran day in Berlin!
On June 15, 2025, the time has finally come: The first national veteran day in Germany is celebrated. Chancellor Friedrich Merz uses this special occasion to appreciate active and former soldiers of the Bundeswehr for their tireless service. On the X platform, Merz emphasizes that the Bundeswehr is firmly anchored in society and that the soldiers deserve thanks, recognition and respect. As the Stuttgarter Nachrichten is reported Event around the Reichstag building in Berlin.
An important feature of this veteran day is that Germany defines the term “veteran” quite generously. All soldiers who left the Bundeswehr are honored are viewed as veterans. This includes around ten million Germans who did military service or served as professional or time soldiers. This broader recognition is not only a symbol of respect, but could also help reduce the gap between the Bundeswehr and society.
solemn events across the country
What makes this special event even more exciting are the numerous celebrations that take place across the country. In Hamburg, for example, over 400 students from the Helmut Schmidt University are promoted to lieuteners. In Kiel, former soldiers and their families are allowed to take the ferry free of charge, while in Oberahrain, Bavaria, a star hike with white sausage is organized. Again and again the need for recognition and pure respect for the contradictory experiences of the soldiers becomes clear, both in the news.de and in the Zeit .
The support for the veteran day comes from all sides: Federal Government, Bundestag, Landesparlaments, Parties and the Bundeswehr itself are committed. But there is also criticism of the late public appreciation of the soldiers, who has now longed for 70 years. The need to take care of the soldiers on the other 364 days a year is evident, especially for wounded veterans, who often have to fight for just care in court.
from distance to recognition
Historically, the relationship between the Bundeswehr and society was not always harmonious. After the Second World War, the Bundeswehr was founded in 1955 as a necessary evil to be accepted into NATO. Public interest and respect were often in short supply, especially in swearing, which have been accompanied by protests in the past.Nevertheless, the public perception of the Bundeswehr has changed significantly in recent years. The missions in Afghanistan and the reactions to the Ukraine conflict have led to a more positive attitude among the population. Surveys show that over 82% of the Germans now have a good picture of the Bundeswehr, which in such a context even brings some light into the dark for the brave first soldiers.
For everyone involved, the veteran day was a significant step towards better integration and recognition of the soldiers into our everyday life. A day that brings the many stories, challenges and struggles of the Bundeswehr members back into the collective memory of society.
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| Ort | Fellbach, Deutschland |
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