1st National Veterans' Day in Germany

On 15 June 2025, National Veterans' Day will be celebrated in Germany for the first time. On this day, gratitude and recognition are expressed to those who have served in the German Armed Forces, both in active and passive service. With this day of remembrance, Germany sends a visible sign of appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of its soldiers.

The origins of Veterans Day

The idea of a Veterans Day in Germany has been discussed for years. The first initiatives to introduce such a day of remembrance were launched back in 2010. The debate often focused on the definition of the term „veteran“ and the appropriate form of recognition. In November 2018, the Federal Ministry of Defence defined the term "veteran" as follows:

„A veteran of the German Armed Forces is someone who is serving as a soldier in the German Armed Forces or who has honourably left this service.“

On 25 April 2024, the German Bundestag voted by a large majority to introduce 15 June as National Veterans' Day. This date was chosen because it was on 15 June 2019 that the Veterans' Badge was awarded for the first time. Veterans' Day is to be celebrated annually in future.

Significance and objectives of Veterans' Day

National Veterans Day serves to publicly recognise and honour the service of soldiers. It aims to highlight the achievements and sacrifices of members of the German Armed Forces and strengthen the connection between the Armed Forces and society. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasised the significance of this day:

„It is about recognising those who are ultimately prepared to give their all for others and who risk life and limb for our country.“

In addition to symbolic recognition, Veterans' Day is also intended to help improve social care for veterans and promote exchange between veterans, their families, the armed forces, society and politicians.

Events for the first Veterans' Day

The main event for the first National Veterans' Day will take place on 15 June 2025 at the Reichstag in Berlin. The plan is to hold a public, family-friendly celebration that will appeal to the general public and encourage people to engage with the topic. In addition, further events are planned throughout the country to highlight the significance of the day.

Participation of the association Angriff auf die Seele e. V. (Attack on the Soul).

The association „Angriff auf die Seele – Psychosoziale Hilfe für Angehörige der Bundeswehr e. V.“ (Attack on the Soul – Psychosocial Help for Members of the German Armed Forces) will be represented with its own stand (tent 24) at the central event in Berlin on 15 June 2025. The association has been committed to helping soldiers who have been traumatised in the line of duty and their families for over 15 years. It offers information and assistance to members of the German Armed Forces who have been exposed to particular psychological stress in the course of their service or who suffer from mental disorders.

By participating in Veterans Day, the association aims to raise awareness of the psychological challenges faced by many veterans and provide information about the support it offers.

The introduction of National Veterans Day on 15 June 2025 marks an important step in recognising and appreciating the achievements of members of the German Armed Forces. It provides a platform for exchange and raises awareness in society of the concerns of veterans. The participation of organisations such as „Angriff auf die Seele e. V.“ (Attack on the Soul) underscores the need to pay attention not only to the physical challenges faced by soldiers, but also to the psychological ones.

Veterans' Day will henceforth be celebrated annually on 15 June and will contribute to strengthening the connection between the armed forces and society, as well as improving social care and recognition for veterans.