First National Veteran Day: Focus on the Bundeswehr heroic deeds!

First National Veteran Day: Focus on the Bundeswehr heroic deeds!

Hessisch Lichtenau, Deutschland - On June 15, 2025, Germany will open a new chapter in its history: The first national veteran day will be celebrated to appreciate active and former soldiers. Christian Grötsch, government director at the Bundeswehr in Berlin and member of the Hessisch Lichtenau reservist comradeship, is one of the faces that shape this day. He himself began his career at the Bundeswehr in July 2001 after completing an apprenticeship as a chemical-technical assistant. He looks forward to the upcoming celebrations that pay attention to the commitment and the victim of many veterans.

Various events will take place across Germany on Veteran Day 2025, including a field service and a grilling in Augustdorf. In Duisburg, a “march of appreciation” is organized, which not only invites you to exchange among veterans, but also strengthens the community. A nationwide network of activities was initiated in 2018 when the Ministry of Defense introduced an official definition for veterans for the first time, which has since culminated in the national veteran day. According to the veteranentag.gov.de, veterans are those soldiers who have received their rank, regardless of whether they are currently active or are honored from the Bundeswehr.

Grötsch's military career and appreciation of the veterans

Christian Grötsch is proud of his career within the Bundeswehr. According to his conscription, which he extended from 9 to 15 months, he quickly switched to medical ABC protection, especially after the shocking events of September 11, 2001. His commitment led him to medical training and later to work for young officers in Aachen. He has been entrusted with the household in Berlin since 2024 and emphasizes how important refreshments are of qualifications. These take place according to specified periods to ensure the usability of the troops.

The reservist comradeship Hessisch Lichtenau, which belongs to Grötsch, has 80 members and plays a crucial role when it comes to anchoring security issues in the community and supporting the Bundeswehr. Grötsch also recognizes the challenges that military life brings, especially with regard to the compatibility of work and family. His partner, also with the Bundeswehr, understands his obligations and becomes an important support.

A look into the future: veteran days and more

With the foundation of the "Round Table Veteran" in January 2025, another step towards support and integration of the veterans is mastered. Colonel a.d. Peter Haupt was elected as a patron and will work together with the reservist association to give the veterans a voice. This is particularly important because many veterans often do not get the recognition and support that they are entitled to. According to the Reservistenverband, numerous events are organized to honor the veterans, including the "March of Appreciation", which will take place in Duisburg.

Another highlight will be the benefit concert on April 27, 2025, which will be held in the Catholic Church of St. Baptist in Borgentreich. It will be part of the celebrations that take place on the occasion of the National Veteran Day. The entire day is used not only to appreciate the veterans, but also for an exchange on important topics that affect society.

This is how the upcoming veteran day shows that appreciation for the services of the soldiers in Germany is growing steadily. Grötsch and his colleagues have high hopes for strong participation and an unforgettable event. "Operations in the Bundeswehr make professional life more varied. Team spirit and community are something that connects us all," emphasizes Grötsch and looks optimistic about the celebrations.