The introduction of a Veterans Day is being discussed in Germany. But how are those who served in the army honored in other countries? A look at Russia, Israel and France.
July 1st is supposed to be the official day of all veterans throughout Russia. However, the State Duma has not yet passed the bill, which was resubmitted in February. That’s why this Veteran’s Day only exists in some Russian regions.
The oldest living veterans are the participants in – as it is called here – the Great Patriotic War: they celebrate Victory Day on May 9th. There are still around 100,000 of them who are entitled to higher pensions and other additional state benefits under the Veterans Act.
There is also one for the veterans of the Afghan war – their memorial day is currently February 15th. On this day in 1989, the last column withdrew from Afghanistan. Veterans of the two Chechen wars celebrate their day of honor unofficially on July 1st. They or their surviving dependents receive around 50 euros a month from the state.
In the future, the number of Russian veterans will increase significantly – due to the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine.
Israel’s Day of the Fallen begins Independence Day above
Once a year, Israel remembers those who served their country and gave their lives in the process. On Yom haZikaron, which translates as Remembrance Day, veterans are not specifically remembered. This national holiday is dedicated to Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks.
Cemeteries across the country are visited, events are commemorated, and there are special programs on television. According to the Jewish calendar, the day falls on a date between the end of April and mid-May. This year it begins at sunset on May 12th.
To mark the start of the Day of the Fallen, the sirens will sound nationwide for one minute at 8 p.m. People pause, stand next to cars, remember in quiet remembrance. Candles burn for the dead in private homes and public institutions, in schools, synagogues and barracks.
The head of state and the army leadership also take part in events. The Day of the Fallen continues with the sunset and an official ceremony in Jerusalem into Independence Day, on which Israel celebrates the founding of the state. The fact that the days follow one another is intentional – to illustrate the sacrifice that the fallen made for the state.
France has various special days
On July 14th, France’s national holiday, veterans and military personnel parade down the Champs Élysées to applause. There is no Veterans Day per se in France either. However, there are days of remembrance for gendarmes, police officers and firefighters, for victims of terrorism and deportation, and for those who died in Indochina or the Algerian War.
Former soldiers are remembered on two holidays in particular. Firstly, on May 8th, the day the Second World War ended. And even more so on November 11th, the day on which the armistice was sealed after the First World War. The “Great War” was more costly and traumatic for France than the Second World War.
Wreaths are then laid at the Paris Triumphal Arch and the Patrouille de France flying squadron paints the tricolor in the sky. Flowers are also laid at the obligatory war memorial in every French municipality in November.
On these days, fabric cornflowers are sold as a symbol of solidarity with veterans and survivors. The “Bleuet de France” is – like the poppy in Great Britain – France’s commemorative flower. The proceeds from the campaign go to war orphans, widows and people who need help after their deployment. The organization also maintains retirement homes for them.
France also honors victims of terrorism or those killed in military missions in Africa, for example, with national homage. Officially it is said that this is mourning work for the armed forces and families, keeping the memory of the conflicts alive and passing on knowledge to future generations.