The German parliament votes for an annual veterans' day to honor military service
BERLIN (AP) — The German parliament voted Thursday to introduce an annual national “veterans’ day” to honor people who have served in the military, which often has struggled to gain recognition in the country.
The proposal was drawn up by the parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition together with the main opposition conservative bloc, and was approved by nearly all parties in the Bundestag, parliament’s lower house.
It says a “veterans’ day” should be celebrated “publicly and visibly” every June 15. It also calls for improved follow-up care for people wounded while serving in the German military, the Bundeswehr.
The motion “is a strong, important and, yes, an overdue signal of recognition and appreciation,” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told lawmakers.
Post-World War II Germany has generally been uncomfortable with militarism and war, and the country emerged slowly from its postwar military shell after reunification in 1990. Then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl broke a taboo against German troops serving abroad by sending military medics to support the U.N. mission in Cambodia in 1992.
Related articles
Man City earns big win over Luton despite rotating squad. Newcastle routs Tottenham at home again
LONDON (AP) — With some of Manchester City’s regular starters rested, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic2024-04-26'We simply cannot afford to': Hawke's Bay leaders desperate for cyclone
The old Waikare Gorge bridge following Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Waka Kotahi2024-04-26Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters and David Seymour to finally meet
Photo: RNZ2024-04-26Person dies after crash in Waipā, Waikato
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi2024-04-26Chinese premier urges redoubled efforts to combat corruption in government
(Xinhua) 08:12, February 06, 2024Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee o2024-04-26Chef Jose Andres says Israel targeted his aid workers 'systematically, car by car'
Palestinians standing next to a vehicle in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on 2 April 20242024-04-26
atest comment