First Veterans Day in Frankfurt: City seeks proximity to soldiers!

First Veterans Day in Frankfurt: City seeks proximity to soldiers!

June 15, 2025 will be an important day for the Bundeswehr and its members, as the first nationwide Veterans Day will take place on this date. Preparations are already in full swing in Frankfurt. The Frankfurt Reservist Association, led by Helge Kingreen, is pleased with the opportunity to bring the Bundeswehr into greater public awareness. Kingreen emphatically emphasizes that the topic of the Bundeswehr has disappeared from the minds of many citizens and hopes that the events will provide new impetus.

The city of Frankfurt therefore invites former and active soldiers to a reception in the Kaisersaal in the Römer. But there are still uncertainties about the city's involvement. The CDU's request in the summer of 2024 to officially support this day initially received little attention. Eventually, Mayor Mike Josef from the SPD took over the organization, even though Kingreen notes that some parties in Frankfurt are still “strange” about the military issue.

The background of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is not only intended to give soldiers a voice, but also to strengthen the social integration of former defenders. Kingreen sees the need to increase personnel for national defense, especially in view of the challenges posed by hybrid threats. German authorities plan to increase the Bundeswehr from 180,000 to 208,000 active forces by 2030 and will also need 260,000 reservists to reach a total strength of 470,000. This is made clear by the special requirements resulting from the current security policy framework.

The tradition of the Bundeswehr is being redefined by a new tradition decree that came into force in 2018. This highlights its own history and traditions and deals more critically with the past in order to promote a clear identity of the Bundeswehr. A central goal is to place greater emphasis on the defense of the Federal Republic and international missions in crisis management. Dealing with one's own identity has become a sensitive issue since the end of compulsory military service in 2011. This is also reflected in the discussion about society's perception of soldiers, who often remain invisible in everyday life.

Festive activities surrounding Veterans Day

On Veterans Day itself, numerous events are organized throughout Germany. In Augustdorf, for example, a combination event will take place with a field service, greetings, networking, music and grilled food, as veteranentag.gov.de reports. There will also be events in Duisburg and other cities that serve to exchange ideas and appreciate veterans. The local community is invited to actively participate in various formats.

For Kingreen and many of his comrades, Veterans Day is a symbol of recognition of the service and experience that many ex-soldiers bring to civil society, including in business, where they are often highly qualified and successful. He makes it clear that it is time to demand and implement greater social integration.

This is why Veterans Day 2025 will not only be a celebration of the military, but will also provide a platform to reshape the dialogue about security, integration and social responsibility. A good hand will be required to achieve these goals and bring the Bundeswehr back into the public consciousness.