Germany has officially established a national Veterans Day (Veteranentag), which is to be observed annually on June 15th. The German parliament's defense committee approved the creation of this day in April 2024 to honor all former and active soldiers of the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces.
Prior to this decision, Germany did not have a direct equivalent to the Veterans Day observed in countries like the United States. The closest day of remembrance was, and continues to be, the Volkstrauertag (People's Day of Mourning). However, Volkstrauertag, observed two Sundays before the first day of Advent in November, is a broader day of mourning for all victims of war and tyranny, including soldiers and civilians, rather than a day specifically celebrating living veterans. The new date, June 15th, was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the first awarding of the Cross of Honour for Valour in 2019, recognizing the service of the modern Bundeswehr.
The establishment of a dedicated Veterans Day on June 15th marks a significant cultural shift, creating a formal occasion to recognize the service and sacrifice of the approximately 10 million Germans who have served in the Bundeswehr since its founding in 1955. This new observance is distinct from the more somber and inclusive remembrance of Volkstrauertag, providing a specific focus on the appreciation and visibility of the nation's military veterans.
