First National Veteran Day: Respect for our heroes in Bremen!

First National Veteran Day: Respect for our heroes in Bremen!

Bremen, Deutschland - Next Sunday, June 15, 2025, the first national veteran day will be celebrated in Germany. This new event was decided by the German Bundestag and is to take place annually at the weekend around June 15th. The aim is to honor the merits of veterans who have campaigned for peace, freedom and democracy. Solemn events are held at 24 locations across the country, including Bremen. In Bremen, the reservist association invites you to the citizens under the motto "Simply respect" to celebrate this special day. Buten un inland reports that Veteran Uwe Buschmann, who from 2002 to 2003 in Kabul, Afghanistan, is still active for the Bundeswehr and wishes that this day is interested in the population Veterans and their services strengthen.

The challenges of the Bundeswehr's reputation are varied. Kristian Kugeler, Lieutenant Colonel of the Reserve, emphasizes that the reputation of German soldiers is strongly influenced by global political developments. The skepticism compared to Bundeswehr operations, which he experienced during his time in Afghanistan in 2007, has now changed in parts, especially in the context of the flood disaster 2021 and the Ukraine conflict. Florian Stephan, a former active soldier in Mali, confirms that the reputation of the Bundeswehr has increased, but still causes difficulties and depends heavily on the location.

celebrations and actions

The events on the veteran day not only offer a platform for appreciation of the soldiers, but also space for encounters and exchange. Florian Stephan notes that the veteran day should essentially contribute to the fact that soldiers become more tangible for the general public. The term “veteran” includes all long -serving soldiers, regardless of whether they are in active service or have already been released. In Germany, everyone who has done military service is considered a reservist, including civilians who can be trained for the reserve.

The celebrations are supplemented by numerous events. In Augustdorf there is a combination event with field service and music, while a “march of appreciation” is planned in Duisburg. In various cities, such as Unna and Bad Westernkotten, there are programs that range from encounters to musical framework programs. A photo exhibition is also opened in Euskirchen that addresses the life of veterans. Information on this can be found at veteranentag.gov.de

It remains to be seen whether this day is more than just symbolic policy, such as Der Spiegel questioned. But one thing is clear: the veteran day has the potential to raise awareness of the achievements and challenges of veterans and to promote respect for these often overlooked members of our society.