Schwerin celebrates its first Veterans Day: recognition and protest united!

Schwerin celebrates its first Veterans Day: recognition and protest united!

Today, June 15, 2025, the first National Veterans Day will be celebrated in Germany. This innovation in the German culture of remembrance was brought into being by resolution of the Bundestag following a proposal from the SPD, the Union, the Greens and the FDP. The day is dedicated to active and former soldiers who have fought for freedom, democracy and peace. Robert Hübner, sergeant major in the reserve and veteran of the Mali deployment, insisted on taking part in the veterans' march in Schwerin, which took place as one of the central events. The march commemorated the veterans' service and marched through the heart of the city, beginning and ending at the Floating Meadow.

In the run-up to Veterans Day, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius commented on the challenges facing the Bundeswehr and pointed out the need for up to 60,000 more soldiers in order to meet the new NATO planning goals. Against this background, Veterans Day is seen not only as a celebration for soldiers, but also as a call for social reflection on military issues. An estimated 20 participants in civilian clothes and uniform took part in the march in Schwerin, including the President of the State Parliament, Birgit Hesse, who emphasized the importance of the Bundeswehr and veterans.

Public recognition of veterans

At the floating meadow, various information stands also offered quizzes on safety, which were well received by those present. Nicole Berndt, who attended with her son Oskar, emphasized how important the event is for the visibility and recognition of veterans. But not all voices were positive: parallel to the celebrations, there was criticism in the form of demonstrations at the Alter Garten and Bertha-Klingberg-Platz. Organizer Wilfried Hoog expressed concerns about the possible militarization of society.

Another topic that will be discussed before and during the celebration is support and recognition of veterans. Robert Müller, also a veteran with over 20 years of service, is an impressive example of how important it is to take seriously the psychological stress that remains after deployments. To draw attention to this problem, he is running 350 kilometers from Hamburg to Berlin on the occasion of Veterans Day.

Criticism and debates

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner used Veterans Day to reiterate the promise of better care and support for veterans. Klöckner even spoke out in favor of general military service in order to meet the demands on the armed forces. In this context, voices from the opposition, such as Dietmar Bartsch from the Left, are also calling for a broader discussion about the issue of the military and its role in society. Critics complain that the focus of Veterans Day is too focused on members of the Bundeswehr and are calling for more attention to be paid to civilian helpers who support the Bundeswehr.

Henning Otte, Bundestag Commissioner for the Armed Forces, invited people to seek dialogue with soldiers in order to better understand their perspectives. Veterans Day is therefore seen as a starting point for reflection and gratitude without drifting into hero worship.

The undisputed intent of Veterans Day is to honor the courage and determination of soldiers and to integrate these issues into societal debate. Respect and visibility for everyone who fights for peace and freedom is of central importance.

Experience the first Veterans Day with celebrations across the country, including in Berlin, where key events will take place. So that this day does not remain just a one-off event, but becomes an annual remembrance and respect.