By DPA | TIN24 Editor: Amit Alhat
Berlin, November 12 — Germany’s Bundeswehr celebrated its 70th anniversary on Wednesday with a solemn oath-taking ceremony before the historic Reichstag building in Berlin, reaffirming its commitment to democracy and national defense.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius presided over the ceremony, joined by 280 new recruits who pledged allegiance to the country. Steinmeier praised the Bundeswehr as “the army of Germany’s democracy,” underlining the continued need for credible deterrence amid growing challenges, particularly from Russia.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner emphasized the symbolism of holding the celebration at the Reichstag. She said the setting represented the deep ties between the armed forces and Germany’s democratic institutions. “There could hardly be a more suitable place for the solemn oath of the new recruits – public, visible, at the heart of our society and democracy,” Klöckner said.
Calling the Bundeswehr “the airbag of German democracy,” Klöckner noted that the military stands ready to protect the nation “when it matters.” She reiterated that the force remains a “parliamentary army” rooted in democratic principles and constitutional values.
She added that in a time of increasing global instability, the Bundeswehr’s role is growing in significance. “We in parliament also stand shoulder to shoulder with all those who wear uniform and defend our security and our freedom – ultimately with their lives,” she said.
The Bundeswehr’s founding dates back to November 12, 1955, when then-defence minister Theodor Blank presented the first volunteers of the new German armed forces with their appointment certificates at the Ermekeil barracks in Bonn, the capital of West Germany at the time.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
