June 15th is supposed to be German Veterans Day. A joint application from Ampel and Union states that this is how recognition should be expressed. In addition, the care of soldiers suffering injuries sustained in action should be improved.
According to a media report, the traffic light factions and the Union in the Bundestag have agreed on a joint proposal to introduce an annual Veterans Day in Germany. According to a report from the newspapers of the Germany Editorial Network, the draft from all four parliamentary groups will soon be submitted to the Bundestag.
Accordingly, June 15th should be made German Veterans Day. The parliamentary groups are also calling for improved care for soldiers who suffer permanent damage while deployed in the Bundeswehr. Since the Bundeswehr was founded, over ten million women and men have served in it, the application states, according to the RND report.
Show gratitude and appreciation
Some soldiers suffered serious physical or psychological injuries as a result of their deployment, which continued to affect their lives and those of their relatives long after they returned from deployment. The Bundestag therefore has a special responsibility for the Bundeswehr.
A national veterans day would not only provide an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for veterans, but also promote understanding in society for their achievements. According to the report, the SPD, Greens, FDP and Union are therefore calling on the federal government to “develop a sustainable and contemporary concept for the implementation of June 15th as national Veterans Day”.
This includes ensuring a fundamental improvement in aftercare for injuries sustained, particularly while deployed abroad. This included rehabilitation measures, therapy offers and care concepts for injured parties and their relatives as well as further use and compensation options. The establishment of a Bundeswehr inpatient therapy facility should also be examined, in which those affected and their families could be treated.