Schwerin celebrates the first veteran day: recognition and protest united!
Schwerin celebrates the first veteran day: recognition and protest united!
The first national veteran day is celebrated in Germany on June 15, 2025. This novelty in the German commemorative culture was launched on the decision of the Bundestag after an application by SPD, Union, Greens and FDP. The day is dedicated to the active and former soldiers who have campaigned for freedom, democracy and peace. Robert Hübner, the main sergeant of the reserve and veteran from the Mali mission, did not miss the opportunity to take part in the veteran march in Schwerin, which took place as one of the central events. The march reminded of the merits of the veterans and moved through the heart of the city, starting and ending on the floating meadow.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius commented on the challenges that the Bundeswehr faces in front of the veteran day and pointed out the need for up to 60,000 other soldiers in order to meet the new NATO planning goals. Against this background, the veteran day is not only regarded as a ceremony for the soldiers, but also as a request for social reflection on military issues. An estimated 20 participants in civil and uniform took part in the march in Schwerin, including the Landtag President Birgit Hesse, who highlighted the importance of the Bundeswehr and the veteranspublic recognition of the veterans
At the floating meadow, quiz questions were also offered at various information stands for safety, which were well received by those present. Nicole Berndt, who participated with her son Oskar, emphasized how important the event was for the visibility and recognition of the veterans. But not all voices were positive: in parallel to the celebrations, there was criticism in the form of demonstrations on the old garden and Bertha-Klingberg-Platz. Organizer Wilfried Hoog expressed concerns about a possible militarization of society.
Another topic that is discussed in advance and during the celebrations is the support and recognition of the veterans. Robert Müller, also a veteran at over 20 years of service, is an impressive example of how important it is to take the psychological stress seriously. In order to draw attention to this problem, he runs 350 kilometers from Hamburg to Berlin on the occasion of the veteran day.
criticism and debate
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Bundestag president Julia Klöckner used the veteran day to reaffirm the promise of better care and care for the veterans. Klöckner even spoke out for a general duty to meet the requirements for the armed forces. In this context, voices from the opposition, like Dietmar Bartsch from the left, also demand a broader discussion about the subject of military and its role in society. Critics complain that the focus of the veteran day is too strongly geared towards Bundeswehr members and demand more attention for civilian helpers who support the Bundeswehr.
Henning Otte, military representative of the Bundestag, invited to find the dialogue with soldiers in order to better understand their perspectives. The veteran day is therefore also considered a starting point for thoughtfulness and gratitude without drifting into hero worship.
The undisputed intention of the veteran day is to appreciate the courage and determination of the soldiers and to integrate these topics into the social debate. Respect and visibility for everyone who fights for peace and freedom is of central importance.
Experience the first veteran day with celebrations across the country, including in Berlin, where central events take place. So that this day not only remains a unique event, but becomes an annual commemoration and respect.
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| Ort | Schwerin, Deutschland |
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