event poster

from Provisional Anarchist Anti-War Council & de.indymedia.org

Motto: Against all war – Against all military! Disarm Patriarchy

On June 15, 2025, a so-called National Veterans Day is to be held as a central state-political event, including at the Reichstag. The Bundeswehr explains the reason: "Many veterans have endured personal hardships to protect their fellow citizens. On Veterans Day, the whole of Germany will say 'thank you' to them for this."

Leaving aside the outrageous presumption that "all of Germany" would rally behind this national Veterans Day to express gratitude, the question arises as to who exactly is meant by "veterans." The Bundeswehr provides an answer to this as well: "In Germany, veterans are all those persons who have served actively in the armed forces or who have discharged honorably."

This refers to everyone who has ever served in the Bundeswehr since 1955. This also includes former (non-commissioned) officers of the Wehrmacht, who were indispensable for the development of the Bundeswehr. Not a word is said about the fact that these men came from a military that was demonstrably involved in war crimes. Thanks are also extended to the soldiers who, at least until the 1990s, maintained fascist traditions as an integral part of the Bundeswehr and imposed these on the men liable for military service. No mention is made of the fact that many conscripts have learned to detest the army, orders, obedience, and drill. They are simply included in the heroic homage to veterans. There is also a deathly silence around the "civilian failures," the veterans who drank themselves to death, self-mutilators, and suicides in the military. There is also a deep silence about the catastrophic foreign missions, the traumatized soldiers and, for example, the murder of the civilian population in Kunduz, Afghanistan in 2009 – ordered and carried out by veteran Colonel Klein.

No, this Veterans Day doesn't speak for us, nor for all so-called veterans. It serves to prepare society for war, to keep pace with global militarization. Soldiers of all genders are trained to be murderers, and this doesn't deserve thanks.

Instead, we call for laying down weapons on all fronts, destroying them, and leaving the front.

We reject conscription in every country because the militarization of society will not solve global conflicts.

We call for a strong protest to ensure that Veterans Day at the Reichstag becomes a political "dumping." We will provide a platform for veterans from all (!) countries who want to raise their voices against war and any military. We invite artists and anti-militarist, queer-feminist, and anti-fascist groups to share their perspectives on war and the military with us.

For this purpose, we are organizing a rally under the motto: "Against all war – Against all military! Disarm patriarchy."

Recognition of desertion and military refusal as grounds for escape!

Registered rally with cultural program from 1 p.m. – approximately 8 p.m.
Location Reichstag: Friedrich-Ebert-Str/corner of Scheidemannstr -Dorotheenstr

Questions/Inquiries/Interview Press contact: antikriegsgruppe@so36.net
Website: https://antikrieg.noblogs.org

Info: The anarchist Anti-War Council Berlin is an alliance that has been active since Russia's attack on Ukraine. Since then, we have organized film screenings, demonstrations, anti-militarist performances, and discussion events.

We are currently calling for nationwide activities against Veterans Day.

Best regards

------------------------

Nationwide and UPDATE for BERLIN

The Bundeswehr is mobilizing for Veterans Day in over 50 events in Germany.

The German Parliament decided on this holiday.

The central event will take place on June 15th around the Reichstag in Berlin (see below).

No antimilitarist should miss this magnificent festival! Creativity is called for!

We therefore provide an overview of some of these events in Berlin and other cities. The selection is incomplete, but informative.

At the end of our list are a few useful links and information.

And our newest Mobiclip. It's worth it!

Against all war – Against all military – Disarm patriarchy!

Networking and information event for Berlin on June 2nd (!) at 7 p.m. in Mehringhof, meeting room, 2 HH, Gneisenau Str. 2a, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Rally and meeting point with us and you on June 15th from 1:00 PM at the corner of Ebertstrasse and Scheidemannstrasse and Dorotheenstrasse with speeches, theater, and music (Reichstag) - check for current announcements!

ON POLITICAL CLASSIFICATION

Veterans Day, as a new national holiday, is part of the current social and intellectual mobilization aimed at establishing a broad willingness to fight for war among the population. Being mentally prepared for war means following the conviction: to fight for the right cause at all costs, with weapons in hand, to destroy people on command who are defined as enemies. These enemies, of course, are always to be found on the other side.

Our stance as anarchists, however, is: No weapon will be used unless someone is mentally prepared to do so. In doing so, we undermine any logic of war, because the military is the enemy of humanity and freedom everywhere. Those who put people in uniforms so that they become murderers and rapists have no legitimacy to even begin to talk about freedom and peace. Our struggle should be linked internationally with other anti-militarist struggles, initiatives, and approaches if we want to get ahead of the war. The cannon fodder, mostly men, should be encouraged by a genuine anti-war movement to refuse military service in every country, to evade all forms of murder, and to flee from all fronts. That's easier said than done, especially for those already in uniform and lying in the trenches. It's up to us to make it increasingly difficult to train people to be murderers and turn them on each other.

However, we will not counter real militarization and the resulting growing threat of war with even more militarization, but with a social anti-militarist movement in all countries.

As anarchists, we stand for a social revolution that seeks to end global domination and oppression. This includes the destruction of weapons, the burning of every uniform, the dismantling of every chain of command and hierarchy, and the demilitarization of our minds.

But for now, the priority is to make Veterans Day a failure. That would be an international signal of growing anti-militarist self-confidence.

With creativity, you can thwart militarization efforts in the most remote backwater. Monuments glorifying war abound. Institutions and weapons factories are everywhere. And toxic masculinity, the very creation of which is a prerequisite for militarized masculinity, has a thousand points of contact.

Please check whether your area might also be in the Bundeswehr's sights. And make their local event a political "dud." This means that the propaganda shot aimed at our minds and hearts, at society, gets stuck in the barrel, rendering the weapon unusable. A "dud" is universally feared in the military, because the bullet can cause so much damage in the barrel that it flies around the user's ears.

We look forward to seeing you.

At: https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/veteranentag-2025-5876194 you can find other places they plan to visit. These include, for example, the Frankfurt area, Schwerin, Munich, Bremerhaven, Kiel, etc.

BERLIN

The Veterans Office in Berlin, with approximately ten directly assigned soldiers, organizes and coordinates the national holiday. Their chief is Lieutenant Colonel Michael Krause. Lieutenant Colonel Sylvia Mehl is the deputy head of the Veterans Office.

The office is located in an ugly and outrageously expensive new building complex near the main train station. You can also stop by and get information (Mon-Thurs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). Uniformed officers await you for an interview on the ground floor at Jean-Monnet-Straße 4 (10557 Berlin).

A Dutch "Military and Veterans Team" will be touring Germany starting June 1. FYI: Veterans Day in Germany is based on the Dutch model.

The Dutch team plans to complete a 2,000 km "speed march" from The Hague to Kyiv. They describe their goal as "idiots" as follows: "To raise awareness of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), to symbolize solidarity with the veterans of Ukraine, and to bring medical aid to the Ukrainian front. A non-stop relay format will cover 120 km per day. After traveling through Germany, via Petershagen, Gifhorn, and Tangermünde, among others, the group is expected to arrive at the Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz) on June 8th."

Instead of campaigning for an end to war, which leads to PTSD on all sides, they go one step further and march like idiots for war, militarism and even more traumatized soldiers.

Called "Mission Kyiv," they are expected to arrive at the Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz) between June 6 and 8, unless they are stopped en route (see below). More information at: www.nl4ua.org/missionkyiv

CENTRAL EVENT REICHSTAG

The central event for Veterans Day will also take place in Berlin. In your words: "In addition to a large stage featuring a diverse program, the focus is on meeting people and providing information in the so-called Veterans Village. Here, 30 tents house a variety of clubs, associations, and foundations involved in veterans' work. Other highlights include a photo exhibition, various food trucks, and a family area with childcare. Admission is free."

Since admission is free, even critical minds are naturally welcome. This is a public event organized by Parliament. If military petty minded people or the police try to deny entry, they should insist loudly. The entire area is secured and accessible via three controlled entrances. Visitors should expect security checks. Around 4,000 guests are expected. Media and political support for the spectacle is guaranteed – there will be an additional promotional truck. This will be located in the southern part of the Veterans Village (Paul Löbbe Allee) and will welcome all visitors arriving from the main train station. Kiel will also be broadcast live on the main stage from 1:27 p.m. to 1:37 p.m.

There will be no weapons display. The event will be a mix of civilians (relatives, interested parties) and former soldiers (organized in dubious veterans' associations). In passing, praise will be given to camaraderie and "soldierly virtues." Naturally, there will be active soldiers of all ranks, from dedicated cannon fodder to mid-level command, as well as plenty of high-ranking officers. You can recognize the current soldiers by their uniforms. If they wear gold stars on their shoulder straps, they are generals. Silver stars are officers. Former soldiers are prohibited from wearing a distinctive uniform. Nevertheless, you will also see people wearing individual uniforms, such as former soldiers organized in veterans' associations. This propaganda media event begins at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.

For more information: www.bundeswehr.de/de/betreuung-fuersorge/veteranenbuero or contact us: antikriegsrat_berlin@riseup.net

BERLIN – Pre-party for Veterans Day on June 8.

A special highlight is the "Run 4 Veterans"

The veterans plan to set off at Schlachtensee 68 (14129 Berlin) at 10:00 a.m. on June 8th and run around the lake. Anyone familiar with the lake knows that it's a popular destination for many people, including many anti-militarists.

We call for support for our press conference on site!

Military personnel running around the lake in the guise of veterans is an outrage and an unacceptable provocation. Since the venue is public, the public can create an anti-militarist corrective there. It wouldn't be surprising if the veterans' run turned into an obstacle course. A more obvious solution would be to cancel the Run4Veterns.

They describe their quirky idea like this: "Whether sprinting, jogging, or leisurely walking, the "Wild Cat Running Team" will run the approximately 5.4 kilometers around the beautiful Schlachtensee in Berlin-Zehlendorf. Registration requested. Further information is available from the organizer: 0 173 6320210 or www.recondovets.de/ . The veterans' motorcycle club has its base in Kreuzberg on Zossener Straße.

The same group also holds a "Veterans Talk" once a month, as on June 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. But that's probably not for you, haha. The goal is to create a meeting place "where veterans can talk about their (deployment) experiences and adventures." This is how the Bundeswehr wants to bond with veterans so they don't develop a life of their own or ask the wrong questions. Questions about whether, instead of the military, there could be a civilian, perhaps even socially revolutionary, response to the grievances. All this crap at Jean-Monnet-Str. 4 in the Bundeswehr office.

Anyone who wants to warm up with this group of bikers can take part in the "Motorcycle Memorial Ride for Fallen Comrades" on May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Platz der Luftbrücke 1-6. A bicycle demonstration commemorating all civilian victims of war can spoil the fun for this somber group, which is charged with being a memorial ride. The logic of war is to remember one's own soldiers, not the crimes committed by one's own army. In Afghanistan, for example, Colonel Klein (a veteran) ordered a bombing that claimed a large number of civilian victims. The Afghan support forces of the Bundeswehr were simply left behind while fleeing the Taliban. You can recognize these idiots by their symbols: "Mandatory: The symbol of the yellow ribbon on the motorcycle. Assemble from 11:00 a.m. at Tempelhof Airport (Eagle Square); departure at 12:00 p.m. to the Bundeswehr Memorial at the Federal Ministry of Defence; around 1:15 p.m., rally, wreath-laying, and Christian prayer; return at approximately 3:00 p.m.."

www.recondovets.de/memorial-run-berlin.html or 0173 6320210

STRAUSSBERG (near Berlin)
If you haven't had enough on Veterans Day on June 15th, you can join the "late bloomers" on June 18th, 2025, (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM) in Brandenburg: At Landhausstraße 16-18, 15344 Straussberg, the "Straussberg Comradeship of Former Reservists, Survivors," etc., invites you to a "folk festival" with a panel discussion, the Bundeswehr Veterans Office's promotional truck, a book reading "Faces of Life," with food and drinks, and much more. A "VOLKsfest" in Brandenburg really says it all. Gender characteristics: German. White. Soldierly. Male. Patriarchal. With a touch of ethnicity.

HANOVER
The "Mission Kyiv" will be passing through Hanover with its speed march on June 3, 2025, in Hanover at Doris-Krammling-Jöhrens-Weg, Dornröschenbrücke 30167. "Starting on June 2, the route will cross Germany and will stop in Petershagen, just outside Hanover, on June 3, before crossing the Dornröschenbrücke in Hanover the following day."
www.nl4ua.org/missionkyiv

LEHRTE
June 15, 2025
Rathausplatz 1 in 31275 Lehrte
The city of Lehrte will raise two flags at the town hall. Veterans badges will be presented afterward. Further information is available from the organizer.
www.lehrte.de

BONN
“Recognition and appreciation for service in uniform”
15.06.2025, Start: 11:00 a.m. End: 3:00 p.m.
Gutenbergstraße 10 53123 Bonn
www.kas.de/de/web/bundesstadt-bonn/veranstaltungen/detail/-/content/vete...
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Association of German Veterans are hosting a church service followed by a book reading with author Wolf Gregis, "The Good Friday Battle: German Soldiers Under Taliban Fire." The event will be accompanied by information booths and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Democracy Bus. Further information is available from the organizer.

MERZENICH
“Town Hall Reception to commemorate the first German Veterans Day”
Event date: June 15, 2025, Start: 10:00 a.m. End: 12:00 p.m.
Valdersweg 1 52399 Merzenich North Rhine-Westphalia Germany
www.gemeinde-merzenich.de
The Merzenich municipal council has embraced this important social gesture and unanimously decided to participate in the first German Veterans Day with a reception at the town hall. The goal is to express recognition and appreciation for those who serve or have served in the Bundeswehr. In a guest lecture, retired Lieutenant Colonel Jürgen Pöppelmann will address the topic "Veterans Day, a Day of Reflection and Appreciation." Further information about the organizer is available.

TÜBINGEN
"Lecture on Veterans Day"
Event date: June 14, 2025, Start: 12:30 PM End: 5:00 PM
Österbergstraße 3 Alte Anatomie 72072 Tübingen
www.reservistenverband.de/baden-wuerttemberg/tuebingen-rut/termine/vortr...
The Reservist Association in Tübingen will hold an informative presentation on veterans' day. Further information is available from the organizer.

FREIBURG
“Veterans Day in Breisach”
Event date: June 15, 2025; Start: 11:00 AM End: 3:00 PM
Market Square 79206 Breisach Baden-Württemberg Germany
"On the occasion of Veterans Day, an exhibition of Bundeswehr vehicles from the Franco-German Brigade and the 291st Infantry Battalion is planned, along with information booths from Bundeswehr-affiliated organizations such as a field post office, AMICALE, LaHe, VdRBw eV, Combat Vets, and many more, with a varied program, including a can-throwing stand and refreshments including a "Bundeswehr-style" stew. Further information is available from the organizer." 0 17615317867

NUREMBERG
“Public Presentation”
Event date: 15.06.2025, Further information to follow
Kirchplatz 4 91154 Roth Bavaria Germany
Pot. artistic design of the roundabout in front of the Otto Lilienthal Barracks. Further information about the municipality.
Telephone 09171 8480

Dresden
“Veterans Day”
15.06.2025, Start: 10:00 a.m. End: 6:00 p.m.
Olbrichtplatz 2 01099 Dresden
www.mhmbw.de/
Special tours will be held at the Military History Museum to mark Veterans Day. Admission is free. For further information, please contact the organizer. 0351 823 2850

ROTHENBURG-WÜMME
“Veterans Day 2025”
Event date: June 15, 2025, Start: 10:00 a.m. End: 2:00 p.m.
Zum Flugplatz 11 27356 Rotenburg (Wümme) Lower Saxony Germany
www.eas-Berlin.de
Combined event with a field service, welcoming remarks, and networking opportunities with music and barbecue. Further information from the organizer: +49 160 4759118

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