First National Veterans Day: Honors for soldiers in Germany!

First National Veterans Day: Honors for soldiers in Germany!

A new holiday will be launched in Germany on June 15, 2025: The first national Veterans Day. The day is a homage to all active and former soldiers of the Bundeswehr and is celebrated centrally in Berlin on the Reichstag grounds. Veterans Day was decided on April 25, 2024 and is intended to represent an annual recognition of the over ten million soldiers who have served since the Bundeswehr was founded. Every year, various events are scheduled to take place throughout Germany on this day in order to increase the visibility of the service in society. In addition to the celebrations, improving aftercare for soldiers, especially those who have been deployed abroad, is also a central concern. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the President of the Reservist Association, Prof. Dr. Patrick Sensburg, support the initiative and see it as an integrative step in veterans policy.

The aim of Veterans Day was to highlight the challenge of appreciating active and former military members. Christian Grötsch, a government director in the Bundeswehr in Berlin and a member of the Hessisch Lichtenau reservists' association, looks back on his own varied career. He joined in 2001 and began training as a chemical-technical assistant before starting his time in the Bundeswehr. The missions in medical and emergency protection particularly shaped him and revealed how diverse the service can be. On Veterans Day, however, he will not only look back, but also focus on the importance of community and the team spirit he experienced during his years there. This day is more than just a celebration – it is a moment to recognize the challenges and successes of a life of service.

Events and commemorations

Veterans Day is accompanied by numerous events by various federal states, municipalities, associations and foundations. The goal is to create a sense of community and tell the story of the servicemen and women. In addition to the central celebration in Berlin, regional events such as veterans' runs, bowling, information stands and commemorative events are also on the program. A family-friendly celebration is planned for the relatives to not only celebrate the veterans, but also to support their return and reintegration into society.

• Veteranenlauf (ab 8. Juni)
• Veteranenkegeln in Bremerhaven (14. Juni)
• Tag der Reservisten in Wolfenbüttel (14. Juni)
• Gedenkveranstaltungen in Städten wie Remscheid, Euskirchen und Bonn
• Festungstag in Ingolstadt (22. Juni)

Veterans Day is part of a broader discussion about the role and visibility of the Bundeswehr in German society. While some praise the initiative as an important step towards recognizing the soldiers' willingness to make sacrifices, there are also critical voices that express concerns about the possible militarization of society. The debate is complex and shows that society must continue to reflect on how it deals with the issues of the military and war.

Christian Grötsch always emphasizes how important it is to maintain a balance between professional obligations and family life. With a friend in the same professional field, he understands the challenges that come with the service. Veterans Day not only provides a platform for recognizing service members, but also an opportunity to openly discuss these issues and work together to find solutions.