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Germany Celebrates First National Veterans Day as Defense Policy Shifts

The new observance reflects Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Zeitenwende in a bid to boost military readiness.

Overview

  • Germany marked its first national Veterans Day on June 15 with ceremonies in Berlin and across the country.
  • The event has been framed under Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Zeitenwende to foster broader support for military engagement.
  • Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the Bundeswehr needs up to 60,000 additional troops to meet heightened NATO readiness goals.
  • Many veterans, including former paratrooper Robert Müller, continue to press for improved recognition and support for service-related injuries.
  • Opposition protesters in Berlin warned that the holiday and military buildup risk steering Germany toward unwelcome militarization.