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Australia’s international partners are moving to further recognise and celebrate military personnel in an evolving government policy shift.
Earlier this week, Germany announced the country’s first national Veterans Day this week to campaign for visibility, recognition and respect of German military personnel.
“This day has created something which has always been lacking; public visibility, recognition and respect for all those who have served in our country’s armed forces,” said German Parliament president Julia Klöckner at the official opening of the event.
“Today we honour those people who were prepared to serve this country, our country, our values.
German officials also praised the conduct of their military forces in the defence of NATO boundaries and service to defence of the country.
In addition, major Australian-AUKUS ally, the United States, recently held a military parade as part of its celebrations for the US Army’s 250th birthday on 14 June this year.
Key military equipment such as M1A2 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1126 Stryker combat vehicles were used during the celebrations, as well as 6,600 soldiers in historical and present-day uniforms.
The event was reportedly designed to give American residents the opportunity to meet soldiers, watch military demonstrations and explore Army hardware on display. The US previously held a National Victory Celebration military parade in Washington in 1991 to celebrate the conclusion of the Gulf War.
“It’s an honour to be here, to honour all those that have worn the uniform before us and just embrace the history that we have here,” said Army 1st Lieutenant Luke Heisler, a member of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment from Fort Cavazos at the event.
“The Army has been a blessing in my life. It’s great to let everyone see how great of an opportunity the Army is for a normal person to come out … and do some good work.”
