10/08/2026 | Press release

Around 80 veterans took part in a day of activities at Borussia Dortmund, organised by Rheinmetall, to recognise their service. As well as a stadium tour and a visit to the BVB museum, known as the Borusseum, the programme included an opportunity to meet football legend Kevin Großkreutz.

Participants included Rheinmetall employees and other veterans from the Bundeswehr Veterans’ Office network. The head of the office, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Krause, attended the event as the official representative of the Bundeswehr.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, said: “With this event, which is deliberately held separately from National Veterans’ Day, we want to show that we stand firmly by our soldiers’ side – 365 days a year. I am delighted that we are able to organise this for the second time in collaboration with our partner Borussia Dortmund.”

Rheinmetall employees travelled to Dortmund from seven sites and six group companies on Friday. Around a dozen veterans had already participated in the event in 2025.

The Head of the Veterans’ Office, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Krause, represented the Bundeswehr at the event. He said: 'I think it’s fantastic that Rheinmetall, as one of the Bundeswehr’s most important equipment suppliers, is getting involved in this way with work for and with veterans. This is a strong sign of appreciation. Quite a few former conscripts find a new professional home within the company after their active service.”

In 2024, the German Bundestag passed a resolution to introduce National Veterans’ Day. It was first observed on 15 June 2025, and will take place annually on or around this date in future. The aim is to publicly honour the achievements of active and former servicemen and women, and to strengthen the dialogue between the Bundeswehr and society. Rheinmetall was represented by a team at the central event in Berlin, which, for the first time, also focused on the relationship between the armed forces and industry.