Idar-Oberstein has been a Bundeswehr garrison since 1956 and is the cradle of the German Army's artillery. The site is known for the cooperative relationship between the civilian and military departments on the one hand and the population and soldiers on the other. The town has also been a sponsor of the artillery school since 1988.
After a short briefing by Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Joachim Schwarz, the civic festival was opened with an ecumenical field service by military pastor Karl-Martin Unrath and Deacon Peter Munkes, who described their relationship to their service in the Bundeswehr in very personal words. The reading from John 15 was read by former member of the Bundestag Heidtrud Henn, the intercessions were spoken by Lieutenant Colonel Lars Kleine and First Lieutenant Max Wegerhoff. The musical accompaniment to the service was provided by music director Jürgen Schneider, himself a first lieutenant in the reserves, on the electric piano and singer Corina Schneider.
"In Idar-Oberstein, soldiers are a natural part of the cityscape and that's a good thing," emphasized Colonel Olaf Tuneke, commander of the artillery school and general of the artillery troops, in his speech at the official opening of the civic festival. He went on to say that they were in regular contact with the city leadership and that all it took was a phone call to agree to hold a joint event for Veterans' Day. "We are therefore proud to be able to celebrate this day in the midst of the population." The aim of Veterans' Day, as decided by the Bundestag, is to express recognition, respect and appreciation for active and former servicemen and women throughout Germany. "We soldiers have been waiting a long time for this," said Colonel Tuneke, as service in the Bundeswehr is more than just a profession. He also recalled the more than 3,500 soldiers who have lost their lives in action or on duty since the Bundeswehr was founded.
"Idar-Oberstein stands for a strong connection between its citizens and their Bundeswehr," emphasized Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf in his welcoming address. This close connection is more than just neighborliness, "it is a living partnership." The city was therefore proud to be part of the first National Veterans Day with this civic festival. The mayor thanked all those who have defended the country and served in the Bundeswehr over the past decades.
As the patron of the National Veterans Day, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner naturally had to be present at the central ceremony in Berlin. However, she addressed a personal greeting to the visitors via video message and pointed out that it is the Bundestag that sends the Bundeswehr on missions abroad and that Parliament therefore bears a special responsibility for the well-being of the soldiers.
The official part of the event was followed by the informal part. To the sounds of the Musikverein 1861 Idar-Oberstein, the visitors enjoyed the delicious pea soup provided by the Bundeswehr and there was plenty of opportunity to chat. Unfortunately, the onset of rain brought the event to a premature end. Nevertheless, the organizers are satisfied with the premiere event and are already thinking about Veterans' Day 2026.