First veteran day in Germany: a holiday full of honor and debate!

First veteran day in Germany: a holiday full of honor and debate!

Berlin, Deutschland - On June 13, 2025, the first national veteran day took place in Germany, which aimed to honor active and former Bundeswehr soldiers. Over 130 events were organized nationwide, including in Berlin and Brandenburg. A central ceremony took place in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin, which was combined with a stage program and a veteran village. In addition, there was an exhibition with photographs wounded soldiers in the Bundestag who impressively pointed out the injuries suffered and the stories of the soldiers. In Brandenburg, the “Veteran Open Air” at the Schwielowsee and a panel discussion in the Potsdam state parliament marked the festivities.

The Federal Ministry of Defense estimates that there are around ten million veterans in Germany, all of which have been honored from the Bundeswehr. This number not only includes the former professional and time soldiers, but also includes former conscripts. It is important to know that former members of the Wehrmacht and the NVA are only considered veterans if they also served in the Bundeswehr. The need for a separate veteran day has been discussed again and again since 2012, especially after the Russian attack on Ukraine, which has strengthened political support for this initiative.

The motivation behind the veteran day

The introduction of an annual recurring veteran day has been challenged by the German Bundeswehr Association (DBWV) for years. According to the DBWV, the goal of the veteran day is not only in the maintenance of tradition, but also in the creation of a closer relationship between veterans and society. Bohnert, a representative of the association, made it clear that the initiative should ideally come from the middle of society to give the veterans the recognition they deserve. A reference to the upcoming Invictus Games in September in Düsseldorf would be desirable.

The debate about the veteran day accepted serious forms in the Bundestag when the decision was made to introduce the day in 2024. But there was also resistance in this context: Most of the left -wing groups are planned, which argue that the veteran day could romantize the military and the warfare. Critics emphasized that false signals could be sent.

The veteran concept and social recognition

An important aspect of today's celebrations was the discussion about the official definition of the veteran concept, which was decided on November 18, 2023 by leading advocacy groups, including the Federal Ministry of Defense and the Reservist Association. The definition includes all persons who are active soldiers or who have served with the Bundeswehr and have not been left in dishonorable. The range of the term is comprehensive and does not bind to service length, function or abroad.

The reactions to this definition are mixed: some welcome the clarification, while others express that it is insufficiently developed. However, the Federal Chairman of the DBWV, as well as the Minister of Defense, emphasized that it is of the utmost importance to counter the veterans of respect and recognition that deserves their service. The social discussion about appreciation for former soldiers must continue to facilitate the integration of veterans into society and to offer them the support they need.