Major support for Veterans’ Day

Besides a ceremony, Veterans’ Day this year also included an exhibition, a flypast by the Jas 39 Gripen, a parachute display and speeches by people such as Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist, Defence Committee Chairman Allan Widman, Supreme Commander Micael Bydén and Director of Human Resources Klas Eksell.

The King presented medals to deserving recipients. Medals of Merit with and without swords were presented, while other medals were awarded to people who were wounded in battle. The evening was rounded off with a concert by Swedish Armed Forces Music in the shape of the Life Guards’ Dragoon Music Corps and the Field Artists.

Veterans’ Day was preceded by a mailing to veterans of overseas campaigns, which included a folder and a cover letter thanking them for their service that was signed by the Supreme Commander. The aim of this mailing was to give recognition to all the men and women who have helped to ensure peace and security in the world. The mailing was sent to 54,158 veterans of overseas campaigns still living in Sweden.

— We would like to pass on our warmest thanks to all our veterans and their relatives who attended Veterans’ Day. This was a day of dignity, framed by beautiful Swedish summer weather. We also livestreamed the ceremony online this year, giving more people the opportunity to take part in and view the event, says Colonel Torbjörn Larsson, head of Swedish Armed Forces Veteran Affairs.