Coburg celebrates its first National Veterans Day – strength of unity!

Coburg celebrates its first National Veterans Day – strength of unity!

The first National Veterans Day was celebrated in Germany on June 24, 2025. This special day, established on June 15, honors the contributions of veterans to society. In the Coburg region, an exchange took place between District Administrator Sebastian Straubel and a delegation of reservists from the Coburg region, which was led by Lieutenant Colonel of the Reserve Bernd Edelmann. This initiative is no coincidence, as the close cooperation between the civil authorities and the Bundeswehr has proven its worth in recent years, especially in times of crisis.

Central issues affecting the future of the Bundeswehr were discussed in an open dialogue. These include the challenges in recruiting young talent and the ever-growing debate about general compulsory service. Bernd Edelmann expressed himself positively about the cooperation with the district, especially with regard to a simulation game to deal with heavy rain events. District Administrator Straubel emphasized how important the support from the Bundeswehr was during the corona pandemic, especially in contact tracing.

A sign of recognition

The First National Veterans Day was launched on June 15, 2025 with a central ceremony in Berlin, which was also attended by high-ranking personalities such as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöckner. These events are intended not only to honor the service of soldiers, but also to strengthen the bond between the Bundeswehr and civil society. Over 130 events have been organized nationwide, supported by an extensive advertising campaign, with information disseminated via print, radio and online media.

The definition of veteran includes not only soldiers who are on active duty, but also those who have honorably retired from service. According to estimates, around ten million veterans live in Germany. These programs and campaigns aim to make the achievements of these individuals more visible and promote appreciation for their role in peace and democracy.

Local initiatives and collaboration

The close cooperation between local authorities and the Bundeswehr plays an essential role in implementing the goals of Veterans Day and in the work of the district liaison commands. District Administrator Straubel emphasized the central importance of disaster and civil protection and praised the fruitful cooperation with the reservists. Such exchange formats are the key to a better understanding of the tasks and challenges of the Bundeswehr at the local level.

National Veterans Day is therefore not only a tribute to veterans, but also a step towards strengthening the community between former soldiers and civil society. More information about Veterans Day, which offers additional events and offers, is on the website veteranentag.gov.de to find.