According to NDR, the central Veterans Day ceremony in Schleswig-Holstein has been moved forward this year. The reason is the simultaneous start of Kiel Week the following weekend. The event is therefore taking place on Thursday on the market square in Husum.
The state government and the state parliament are organizing the public festival, for which they have provided 60,000 euros. After an ecumenical service at St. Mary’s Church, the program begins at noon with music, information booths, discussion rounds, and interactive activities. Among those expected are State Parliament President Kristina Herbst, Minister Daniel Günther, and Mayor Martin Kindl (all CDU). In addition, the Veterans Badge will be awarded to three soldiers.
Bundeswehr spokesman Frank Martin explained that the date was moved forward so that the day of honor would not be overshadowed by the festivities of Kiel Week. Minister President Günther emphasized the importance of active and former soldiers ahead of the event: “Especially in this time of global crises and tensions, we need a strong Bundeswehr. That is why it is all the more important to visibly recognize the commitment of our veterans.” Historian Dr. Jann Witt from the German Naval Association sees the image of the military in society as having changed positively—especially since the war in Ukraine. He pointed to the approximately 12,500 troops stationed in Schleswig-Holstein, a number that is expected to rise significantly over the next five years.
Source: www.ndr.de
