David Hallbauer, deputy chairman of the BDV, celebrates Germany's first official Veterans Day, honoring military veterans. Historically, Germany has struggled to appreciate veterans due to its past, especially after the Nazi regime. The tradition of honoring veterans was dismantled after WWII, while a unified military was absent for decades. It was not until the 1990s, with increased military deployments abroad, that the conversation shifted towards veteran recognition. The new Veterans Day, culminating on June 15, aims to close the recognition gap and foster appreciation for those who serve.
“There are people who risk their lives for society, and they simply deserve a certain amount of appreciation and recognition,” David Hallbauer says.
After the Wehrmacht, the Nazi's unified armed forces, was disbanded, Germany had no army at all for a decade.
This began to change in the 1990s when more German soldiers were deployed abroad, serving in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Africa.
On June 15, 2019, the veteran's badge for active and former soldiers was awarded for the first time, marking a significant milestone.
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