First National Veterans Day: Altenstadt celebrates the heroes!

First National Veterans Day: Altenstadt celebrates the heroes!

On June 13, 2025, a very special holiday will be celebrated in Germany: the first national Veterans Day. We dedicate this occasion to the approximately 10 million veterans who have served our country. In Altenstadt, a quiet town in the Upper Bavarian district of Schongau, preparations for the big celebration are already in full swing. Retired Colonel Thomas Schmidt, board member of the Altenstadt Soldiers' and Veterans' Association, emphasizes how important this day is for veteran culture in Germany. He recognizes the much-needed recognition that veterans deserve and emphasizes that such events are essential to honor their service.

The celebrations in Altenstadt start at 10:45 a.m. with a festive act on Marienplatz. After this celebratory part, the participants have the opportunity to march to the Schalander brewery, where a morning pint with music awaits. These events attract not only veterans and their families, but also numerous citizens who want to pay their respects.

Statewide honors

The Bundestag launched National Veterans Day in 2024 to honor the achievements of soldiers. A total of over 100 events are planned for this holiday in Germany. While the celebration in Altenstadt is the largest in the region, numerous events also take place in other cities before and after, such as Veterans Day on June 15th in Augustdorf, which includes a combined event with church service and music.

In Altenstadt, the festival program is enriched by the musical accompaniment of the Altenstadt brass band. Speeches are planned, among others, from Thomas Schmidt and Josef Rauch from the German Armed Forces Association and district councilor Alexandra Bertl. Unfortunately, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt had to cancel due to scheduling difficulties, which gave some cause for disappointment. Nevertheless, the organizers are looking forward to a successful day when the community comes together.

Challenges and perspectives

However, there are also challenges in the region. The reservists and veterans association in Weilheim is facing dissolution due to financial difficulties, but still sees the significance of Veterans Day as important. It is intended to raise awareness of the services of Bundeswehr soldiers. The skepticism of some clubs towards the new day of honor is also worth noting, but many hope that it will bring the merits of veterans more to the fore.

For everyone who would like to celebrate and take part in this special day, the invitation is clear: respect and recognition for our veterans are our top priority. The celebrations in Altenstadt, which take place as part of the nationwide commemoration events, offer the ideal setting to come together and honor the achievements of veterans.

The Federal Ministry of Defense website describes Veterans Day in detail and provides information about the variety of events organized throughout the country. There are already interesting and honorable events for the following days, where veterans can enjoy their newfound attention.

Whether in Mühlheim an der Ruhr, where a ceremony will take place on June 13th, or in Duisburg, where a family celebration is planned for June 15th, great respect and appreciation for our veterans is shown everywhere. In doing so, Germany shows that it does not forget the service of its soldiers and is always ready to give them the honor they deserve.

You can find out more about National Veterans Day and the planned events on the website of Radio Oberland, [Merkur].