Soldiers in Germany walk a distance of 120 km in commemoration of the deceased comrades
The 150 active and reserve soldiers of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have embarked on a poignant journey, marking the 70th anniversary of the Bundeswehr. This year's march, held nationwide for the eighth time, will see participants walk approximately 120 kilometers from Brandenburg to Berlin, with temporary traffic restrictions possible during the event.
The march, which began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Thursday, originated shortly after the founding of the Bundeswehr in 1955. It serves as a tribute to history, a unifying exercise among soldiers and civilians, and a symbol of remembrance, military tradition, and peaceful engagement through sport.
The route passes through Potsdam and ends in Berlin on Thursday (31 July), symbolizing the 120 Bundeswehr members who have lost their lives in foreign deployments since the force's establishment in 1955. Each participant wears the name tag of a fallen soldier on their chest as a personal connection to one of the deployments.
Lieutenant Colonel Detlef Schachel stated that almost everyone participating has a personal connection to one of the deployments. The solemn concluding ceremony takes place at the Bundeswehr Memorial in the Bendler Block.
The four-day march is significant as a commemorative event honoring fallen soldiers while promoting camaraderie and physical endurance among participants. It traces its history to Germany’s efforts to rebuild its military within the context of NATO and to promote a new image of the German armed forces focused on defense and democratic values rather than aggression.
This tradition contrasts with Germany’s earlier military history, such as the Wehrmacht (1935–1945), which was dissolved after World War II, and the subsequent need to redefine the military’s role and culture in post-war Germany. The four-day Bundeswehr march thus embodies Germany’s efforts from 1955 onward to honor military sacrifices in a solemn, disciplined, yet peaceful manner, distinct from previous militaristic eras.
This year, an additional 3,429 meters are added to the route to honor further personnel who passed away while in service. The march serves as an opportunity for collective remembrance, fostering a sense of unity and respect among all those involved.
The four-day march commemorates fallen soldiers, with each participant wearing the name tag of a fallen soldier on their chest. This year, sports are integrated into the event with an additional 3,429 meters added to the route to honor further personnel who passed away while in service.
