Frankfurt celebrates its first Veterans Day: Soldiers back in focus!

Frankfurt celebrates its first Veterans Day: Soldiers back in focus!

An exciting event is coming: On June 15, 2025, the first nationwide Veterans Day will be celebrated throughout Germany. In Frankfurt, a city with a deep-rooted military history, the Frankfurt Reservists' Comradeship hopes that this day will bring more attention to the Bundeswehr and former soldiers. Chairman Helge Kingreen speaks out and points out that the topic of the Bundeswehr has faded more and more in the perception of many citizens. “It’s time to bring back appreciation for our soldiers,” Kingreen said. The reception for active and former soldiers in the Imperial Hall of the Römer, organized by Mayor Mike Josef (SPD), is intended to set an example.

But there are downsides: Kingreen criticizes the “alienation” of the city by the military, especially the negative statements from some political camps. He reminds us that the appreciation for soldiers has suffered greatly during the Corona pandemic and that the connection to the Bundeswehr has almost been lost since compulsory military service was suspended in 2011. “Frankfurt was once a garrison city,” he emphasizes. Today, soldiers are regularly seen at the main train station, but Kingreen observes that he is viewed in uniform on the subway, which indicates a divided perception.

Veterans Day in detail

While Veterans Day is set to gain momentum in Frankfurt, numerous events dedicated to veterans and their families are taking place across the country. A comprehensive program of field service, music and networking will be offered on the same day in Augustdorf. A tribute to veterans will also take place in Euskirchen on June 17th at the opening of the photo exhibition “Faces of Life” in the Düsseldorf state parliament. In Duisburg there will be the “March of Appreciation” on June 15th, which will also serve as public recognition for the services rendered.

But why could this Veterans Day be more than just an isolated event? In June 2025, the *Veterans Association* will also hold a technical discussion on the topic of veterans policy in Berlin. Here, representatives of the traffic light parties and the Union faction discuss how the visibility and appreciation of our veterans can be increased. Veterans Day is referred to here as a “warm handshake” that not only represents appreciation, but also the starting signal for improved care and support for veterans.

“We urgently need appropriate measures to further promote the integration of veterans into our society,” states Kingreen. The need for personnel for national defense is becoming increasingly urgent, especially due to evolving hybrid threats. For example, Germany plans to increase the number of active soldiers to 208,000 by 2030, while at the same time 260,000 reservists must be mobilized to reach a total strength of 470,000.

Future and social integration

There is agreement that a new veterans policy is urgently needed. Veterans Day can be seen as the first step in creating this visibility and increasing appreciation for those who have served for our country. Kingreen and many others are calling for general compulsory service for both women and men, as well as annual exercises for civil defense and rescue organizations. It is clear: the topic of the Bundeswehr and the associated challenges are more relevant today than ever.

Numerous ceremonies over the weekend will recognize the service and dedication of veterans. Whether in Frankfurt, Duisburg or other cities, June 15, 2025 could be the start of a new era in the relationship between society and the military. A celebration for those who were willing to fight for peace and security.

For more information about Veterans Day events, please visit FNP, veteranentag.gov.de and Reservist Association.