A high-level debate on a general military service for men and women has been called for by the chairman of the German parliament’s defense committee, Thomas Röwekamp, in the context of the first nationwide veteran’s day.
Röwekamp, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emphasized that the day should not only be a “symbolic gesture of recognition” and a “long-overdue sign of respect” for the service of tens of thousands of soldiers, but also a “politically significant impulse.” He believes that the current security policy landscape, with its numerous challenges, requires a broad societal debate on a general military service for both men and women, in military and civilian areas.
Röwekamp stressed the need for a “culture of responsibility” that motivates young people to take an active part, not just in the military, but also in civil defense and social services. The veteran’s day should not be a one-time event, but rather the starting point for a new understanding of social cohesion and an open discussion on the concept of service and duty in a democracy.
The politician also emphasized the importance of developing concrete reform steps, as the parliament will lead this debate and will need it to ensure reliable security for the nation, not just make promises.
The first nationwide veteran’s day was decided upon by the German parliament and on Sunday, a central event will take place around the Reichstag building in Berlin, with numerous other events planned across the country. The president of the Association of Reservists, Patrick Sensburg, described the event as a “strong signal” to the veterans, acknowledging their service and the contributions they have made to the country. He sees the veteran’s day as a long-overdue fulfillment of a demand and a milestone in German veteran politics, manifesting a culture of respect and appreciation that the association has been calling for for a long time.