Hamburg celebrates the first veteran day: the focus is on soldiers!

Hamburg celebrates the first veteran day: the focus is on soldiers!

On June 15, 2025, Germany celebrated the first veteran day with a lot of pomp and celebrations that even reached to Hamburg. In a moving ceremony on the town hall market, which was a long setting for concerts and festivals, over 400 soldiers were allowed to see their promotions celebrated. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius gave an urgent speech in which he emphasized the current security situation and the responsibility of Germany. He made it clear that Germany cannot simply delegate its security-the Bundeswehr has to actively take responsibility, especially in view of the challenges that arose from the Ukraine conflict.

The minister pointed out that the soldiers who were promoted today have started their career since the conflict out of the conflict. "Freedom, democracy and prosperity in Europe are at risk," said Pistorius. In this context, he confirmed that the Bundeswehr urgently needed armed forces and even need up to 60,000 additional soldiers to meet NATO goals. The veteran day itself is intended to integrate the members of the Bundeswehr into society.

a new commemoration day for the soldiers

The introduction of the veteran day was only decided last year in the Bundestag, at the request of the SPD, Union, Greens and FDP. The day is an honor for both active and former soldiers who have campaigned for freedom and democracy. Around ten million people in Germany fall under the definition of veterans, including Robert Müller. The former soldier has had more than 20 years of service and kicked back with his very personal story: he survived a rocket deflection, but struggles against the difficulties that his psychological injuries gave him, including lengthy recognition of his military service.

Small demonstrations, especially from the left scene, took place in parallel in Hamburg. Criticism also came from the opposition, which expressed concerns about militarization and upgrade. Despite these voices, surveys show that around 80% of Germans have a positive attitude to the Bundeswehr, even if many have no direct contact points with soldiers.

Courage and community awareness

The veteran day should be more than just a celebration; He is the beginning of a thinking about the role of the Bundeswehr in society. A central event in Berlin with music, children's playgrounds and even sausage stalls should promote interest in soldiers and veterans and facilitate insight into their reality. It is important to beat the bridge between the soldiers and the rest of the company, as many responsible persons of the Veteran Day emphasized.

Defense Minister Pistorius emphasized that the recognition of those victims is essential for the Bundeswehr. The promotion of mutual understanding between the Bundeswehr and the population is a clear step in the right direction to create a sense of community. We must not forget that numerous brave people have served - and together we can make sure that their stories and services are not forgotten.

The veteran day on June 15 is not only a new holiday, but also an important symbol of appreciation that Germany wants to consolidate in its community. It is important that this day of honor does not turn into hero worship, but rather a reasonable recognition for those who fought for our values.

For more information about the celebrations and the veteran day you can do the articles at Welt , zdf and Tagesschau read.