According to a newspaper report, the traffic light groups also support the introduction of a Veterans Day. The Union had already submitted a proposal for this to the Bundestag. Apparently nothing stands in the way of the introduction.
There is a broad majority in the Bundestag in favor of introducing a day of remembrance for former soldiers of the Bundeswehr. “Germany is getting a Veterans Day,” said SPD defense politician Johannes Arlt to the “Tagesspiegel”. “We agree on this in the traffic light factions and will clarify the final details next week with the Union faction, which we would like to have on board on this issue.”
This was also confirmed by the defense policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group, Alexander Müller. “Veterans Day will come,” he told the “Tagesspiegel”.
Union welcomes agreement
The Union had already submitted a corresponding proposal to the Bundestag a few weeks ago and now welcomes the traffic light agreement. “I am pleased that there is a consensus in the democratic center to appropriately recognize the achievements of our soldiers,” said Union parliamentary group vice-president Johann Wadephul, who is responsible for defense policy, also in the “Tagesspiegel”. “Only the exact design” is being negotiated.
“We are proposing November 12th, the Bundeswehr’s birthday, as Veterans Day with a central, but also many smaller events throughout Germany – but are also open to other days.”
Support for Scholz and Pistorius
In recent weeks, the introduction of such a day of remembrance has been discussed again and again. It was only on Friday that Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) signaled support for proposals from the Bundestag at the Bundeswehr conference.
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is also in favor of the introduction. Back in September, at the conclusion of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, he said he wanted to “raise more public awareness of the sacrifices of those who serve in uniform.” Veterans Day could contribute to this. It’s about treating all those “who risk their lives to defend peace and security” with “respect and recognition.” The German Bundestag’s defense commissioner, Eva Högl (SPD), had previously made a similar suggestion.