Veterans' associations were also banned during this time. Even after the Federal Republic of Germany founded its military, the Bundeswehr, in 1955, no new veterans tradition initially developed.

Germany needed a day that properly acknowledges the service of its veterans. But before that could happen, the association had to reintroduce and redefine the very concept of a veteran.

On June 15, Germany held its first-ever national Veterans Day—a sinister milestone in the return of German militarism. Under the patronage of the federal government and the Bundeswehr (Armed ...