• Sweden edition

Sweden proposes veterans memorial day

Published: 19 Mar 10 08:24 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/25618/20100319/

The Swedish government has proposed the establishment of May 29th as an official veteran soldiers day. Further measures have been announced to ensure that ex-soldiers will receive the care and support they need.

"Despite the fact that Sweden has conducted military operations overseas for more that 60 years we have not had any coordinated policy for veteran soldiers," the defence minister Sten Tolgfors argued in an opinion article in the Dagens Nyheter daily on Friday.

Tolgfors stated that the Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) will now be given an indefinite responsibility to care for former soldiers and announced the establishment of a new veteran soldier unit to attend to their needs.

The new unit will be established at the Armed Forces' headquarters with personal contacts allocated to individual veterans and their relatives. The government has also decided that injured soldiers will now be offered support for as long as they need it, removing the current five year limit.

Furthermore soldiers will be offered help in contact with social services and municipalities to enable reintegration into society after completion of service.

"But a policy for veteran soldiers is also about showing recognition for the efforts which have been made for Sweden and for peace," Tolgfors wrote, announcing that a memorial will be commissioned and a remembrance day established for all of Sweden's veterans.

Sweden has been involved in military operations overseas since 1948. A total of 81 Swedes have lost their lives, with 16 dying in combat. Among the operations with Swedish troop deployment are named Korea, Kosovo, the Gulf of Aden (Somalia) and Afghanistan, where the country keeps a force of 500 troops.

The minister used the Afghanistan operation to exemplify the type of courage and commitment of the Swedish troops that warrant the establishment of May 29th as a memorial day.

"Few people earn our respect as those who participate in the Armed Forces' international operations for peace," Sten Tolgfors wrote.

The minister conceded that the government support for veteran soldiers has not been adequate and promised that the new proposition will address this issue.

The minster underlined that an efficient policy for veteran soldiers is built on the provision of support for soldiers currently in the field and argued that "soldiers and their relatives should never feel that the support from home falters when the going gets tough."

The minister concluded that while Sweden has always taken its international responsibility as a force for peace, the country will now also take its responsibility for the individuals who conduct those operations.

Peter Vinthagen Simpson
news@thelocal.se
+46 8 656 6518

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Fark It! Digg This  Share everywhere
Send to a friend Printable version Twitter This

Your comments about this article:

The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.

10:17 March 19, 2010 by tigger007
it's good to have sweden support their veterans,but come on! 80 soldiers died in 60years(1.5 died every year)veterans day are for true soldiers of war not peace keepers. this really makes me think about sweden and it's politicial correctness.

sweden won't you just rename yourself swedica after your big brother!!
10:40 March 19, 2010 by salalah
Good Idea, nice that people who fight for peace will be honored
10:57 March 19, 2010 by Åskar
What a piece of crap! Do they really want to turn Sweden into the same kind of belligerent society as the USA where people think that the sun shines out of the arses of eedjits who enlist into the armed forces just to cry "I wanna get out" when they relise that they are shot at.
11:04 March 19, 2010 by byke
Well it may make, national pride.

But if the truth be told its just a cheap patriotic symbolism used to bolster votes with no real over head costs.

Maybe sweden should honor the politicians instead who haven't taken their people into war instead.
11:15 March 19, 2010 by tigger007
good comment byke.

and to the others get spell check and also gramma check!

åskar i can tell that you never served in the armed forces,with a useless comment like that. it's the belligerent arses of eedjits(as you call it) that pulled europe out of WW11. show some respect you dusche bag!
11:19 March 19, 2010 by Audrian
I agree with Askar.

I think this is the beginning of militarization of foreign policy. There was a suggestion for creating voluntary military and now we are asked to romanticize war. Soldiers who suffer during time of service can be honored by adequately compensating them. The loud trumpeting of their services is nothing more than the glorification of the art of war and killing.
11:37 March 19, 2010 by Åskar
@tigger007, your are quite right. I have never done any military service and that's something I am very proud of.
11:47 March 19, 2010 by EtoileBrilliant
Regardless of the merits. Please can we have a public holiday in Q3 or Q4. I was lamenting to my wife that between the second week of August and the first week of November there are no holidays for the chidren during the Autumn school term.
11:57 March 19, 2010 by Sjayna
What a surprise that Sweden establish a 'Veteran day' as a part of the swedish military operation called War...oh sorry, I mean 'Peace' Mission ... Why not even have a military parad at the same day?! Of course Sweden should be proud that it takes its responsibility as a force for WAR ...in the name of Peace, of course..sure...And what a surprise that soldiers can loose their lives...Sorry Tolgfors, there are many people who earn my respect, but never these gifted veterans, really not.
12:40 March 19, 2010 by Mpf
Why shouldn't they honour those that have given their life? Whether in war, on operations or just doing their duties while serving their country.

I will certainly honour them, the rest of you forget the sacrifice some brave people make so you can live in a free society provided by these brave people who have given so much just so that you can rant freely here on the internet and say what a bad world and society we live in.

Sometimes sacrafices have to be made, just be glad you weren't the one to have made it.

So what if 1.5 men/women died over the last 60 years that is still 80 too many, what about those who dies during the other conflicts over hundreds of years. Remember them with pride.

What have the rest of you, who are so against supporting this patriotic event, done to hold your heads high and be so mighty?

I think it is a good idea and long over due.
13:23 March 19, 2010 by AirForceGuy
I can't believe some of these comments. If it werent't for the armed forces (mostly of other countries like Canada, US and UK) you pacifists would probably all now be speaking German or Russian. And you wouldn't be free or have any personal rights at all! (Can't we all get along? Let's all gather around in a circle and sing Kumbaya)
13:40 March 19, 2010 by calebian22
This is great news! A soldier who is injured or killed in defense of his or her country should have the respect of the citizenry. In Sweden's case, since most of it's deaths and injuries have been related to UN peace keeping missions, the soldiers have lost their lives or been injured in defense of foreign citizens. Some might argue that their sacrifice is even greater since it was in defense of another country.

All you haters: I hope one day you find yourself in need of defense and it is not available to you.
15:47 March 19, 2010 by Audrian
Re: AirforceGuy

I fully concur it is the duty of citizens to fight in defense of Sweden. US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan to protect its strategic and economic interests. The two countries have not invaded Sweden or any countries for that matter.

How in the world would it benefit Swedish interest by killing other people who have not infringed Swedish sovereignty?
16:23 March 19, 2010 by WelshSwede
Tigger007, pulled Europe out WW2. im assuming your American, never pulled us out of it and considering America has only won one war and that was the Civil one.
19:11 March 19, 2010 by calebian22
The only war America ever won is the Civil War? Good Grief, Welsh Swede! I hope you are not a product of Swedish schooling, considering my daughter is now studying here.
20:25 March 19, 2010 by bettan1
The biggest farce and cover up is that Sweden was neutral during World War II. Clearly this birth place of everything "Lebensborn" whole heartedly supported the 3rd Reich's quest for world dominance. Over ten thousand Swedes volunteered for fighting in Finnish Armies in "Operation Barbarosa" against Soviets. How about all the Swedish Elites who joined the Waffen SS (Viking Division) ????????

http://www.feldgrau.com/sweden.html

http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=2714

Not to mention involvement in profiteering off the Nazi Death Machine. Most all of Germany's Iron Ore came from Sweden. Factory machining of fine tuned industrial parts like ball bearings, etc. Seems they opted for materialism over principal. Then let's not forget the article here in "The Local" itself that exposed the government document of money loaned to Berlin in 1941.

Yeah they were neutral.
21:24 March 19, 2010 by Mpf
If this is what Sweden wants who are we to disagree as visitors to this great country who welcome us with open arms. Those that don't like the idea and are not Swedish should keep their comments to themselves or pack their bags and bugger off to a country that don't honour their service dead, may I suggest the middle east! You are visitors to this country and should respect their decisions especially those concerning patriotism towards their own fallen servicemen and women.
04:26 March 20, 2010 by Greg in Canada
In Canada our Veteran's Day honours the dead from WW1 and WW2. Considering that Sweden was neutral in both world wars this does seem a little strange.
12:52 March 20, 2010 by Göran Eklund
We haven't had any veteran soldiers here since 1809, Runeberg's "Fänrik Stål", so why start now?
03:57 March 22, 2010 by Carbarrister
My father spent 6 years in the Swedish Cavalry in the 20's and then 4 more in the US Army Air Corps in the

Pacific during WWII. His brother from Karlskoga also served in the Swedish Army in the 20's fought the German's with the Norwegian resistance. They are both long gone but would be proud to have a Veteran's Memorial Day.

They would be ashamed by many of the smug comments expressed .
21:50 March 22, 2010 by americanska
This is amazing. What people learn in the british and/or swedish school systems.

Actually - I assume it's the lack of what they learn in school. Then they grow with hippie parents that hated the US because of pure envy. "Damn those americans and their purchasing power. Damn them for saving us in the WW2 - we could have been the nazi power."
12:50 March 25, 2010 by uunbeliever
War is never a good idea and should be shunned and pointed at like fat people and smokers.
ADD YOUR COMMENT   (YOU MUST LOG IN OR REGISTER TO MAKE A COMMENT)
Today's headlines
GOTHENBURG SCHOOL STABBING
Man held for stabbing Swedish 10-year-old

Man held for stabbing Swedish 10-year-old

A 28-year-old man suspected of stabbing a young girl in the throat at the beginning of February, has been apprehended and is being held in another country pending Sweden's extradition demand. READ »

Swedish man lay 'dead for weeks' in Lund flat

A man in Lund, southern Sweden, lay dead in his house for weeks before his body was discovered, as visiting care staff had left after the man failed to answer his door. READ (2 COMMENTS) »

Sweden expels foreign official: report

The Swedish government said on Tuesday it has expelled a foreign diplomat, but spokespeople were unwilling to confirm international reports that it was a high level official from Rwanda. READ »

THE LOCAL LIST
Sweden's seven 'sexiest' places explored

Sweden's seven 'sexiest' places explored

On Valentine's Day, The Local invites you on a journey of seduction through Sweden, a country which may be worth probing further when it comes to matters of love. READ (3 COMMENTS) »

Valentine's day in Sweden - readers' sweet tweets and love stories

Valentine's day in Sweden - readers' sweet tweets and love stories

With Valentine's day upon us again, The Local called for messages from the star-crossed lovers of Sweden, who sent us their loving letters and sweet tweets in a celebration of love in Sweden. READ (2 COMMENTS) »

Swedish tourist halted for having 'terrorist name'

Swedish tourist halted for having 'terrorist name'

A Swedish man set to take off on his "dream holiday" to Mexico was turned away before boarding, as flight officials claimed he shared the name of a wanted terrorist. READ (18 COMMENTS) »

Swedish man suspected of 'kidnapping himself'

A 29-year-old man in northern Sweden has been remanded into custody together with an accomplice after trying to extort money from his parents by pretending he had been kidnapped. READ (5 COMMENTS) »

Sweden at ’real risk’ of terror: government

Sweden at ’real risk’ of terror: government

The Swedish Government has penned a new terror strategy, upgrading Sweden’s risk status since the last plan four years ago, calling for an ‘inter-agency cooperation’ in the fight to counter terror in Sweden. READ (11 COMMENTS) »

More National

Highlights from Follow Sweden

20 things to know before moving to Sweden

As diverse as Sweden is, there are a few societal norms that are distinctly Swedish. Understanding a handful of them will hopefully prepare you culturally before you relocate. When you're invited home to a Swede, you better be on time and take your shoes off, writes expat Lola Akinmade-Åkerström. Read more »

How far can English take you in Sweden?

Sweden is a country where almost everyone can speak English. So why bother to learn Swedish? Edina Varnagy from Hungary managed with English for a whole year but then found that Swedish could open doors – to a job, a social life and greater understanding. Read more »


Blog Update: Julie's Nordic Island

12 February 21:30

The consciousness of one »

"The ice dripped in the winter sun. It was the first day when the light had been intense enough to cause dripping in the sunlight. To hear it was an extraordinary wakeup call. The cycle was happening again as it always does, always will (or so we think). I imagined that on my summer island, the bees..." READ »

Highlights
Photo: Rachel Davies/Flickr
DATING »
The Local helps shed some light on the tantalizing mystery known as the strong, silent Nordic type.
The Local
SOCIETY »
The Local's Oliver Gee finds out why the star of Sweden's version of 'The Office' thinks Sweden is the most PC country in the world
Micheal Brauer/Flickr (File)
SCIENCE & TECH »
'Drunkorexia' on the rise in Sweden: report
Alexander Lervik and Johan Carper
LIFESTYLE »
Seven Swedish designs that will blow your mind
Eva Rinadi Celebrity and Live Music Photography/Flickr
SOCIETY »
Star Wars in Swedish causes fan outrage
www.dotoday.se
LIFESTYLE »
What's On: The Local's guide to upcoming attractions and events in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
OLIKA Publishing
OPINION »
The Swedish language needs a new pronoun free of preconceived notions about gender, a Swedish linguist and representatives from a publishing house argue
Madonna set for July 4th concert in Sweden
SOCIETY »
Madonna set for July 4th concert in Sweden
TV4
GALLERY »
An inside look at 'The Office' in Swedish
Georgios M.W (File)
SOCIETY »
Swedish mother gave 3-year-old cigs and beer
Photo: Fredrik Persson/Scanpix
SOCIETY »
A duvet cover designed to look like cardboard boxes, on sale at a luxury department store in Stockholm, has some arguing that the city's homeless are being exploited for profit.
Ann Catrin Brockman/Flickr (File)
LIFESTYLE »
Five Swedish songs that never made Eurovision
Q&A with Swenglish comedy star Ben Kersley
LIFESTYLE »
Swenglish comedy star Ben Kersley explains how ‘three bespectacled English guys’ plan to make Swedes laugh
Photo: Screenshot YouTube
SOCIETY »
Move over Bugs – a Swedish bunny is rapidly becoming the most popular rabbit in the world!
Photo: Sony Pictures
SPONSORED ARTICLE
How Millennium films tap deep into Swedish angst
Photo: Helena Wahlman
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Braving the cold: Ten reasons to spend winter in Sweden
Photo: ECLA
SPONSORED ARTICLE
A truly international education at the heart of Berlin
Highlights from Follow Sweden
Swedish word of the day

fin

adjective

Fin means anyhting from sweet to proper. When someone says, Du är så fin it's quite a compliment.

Latest news from The Local in Germany

More news from Germany at thelocal.de

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Blog
Highlights from Follow Sweden
New book about Sweden – get to know the country

Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth is a book about Sweden today. A country of natural beauty and open space, and a society focused on equality, human rights and sustainability. Meet regular and astonishing Swedes, supercars and indie rock bands, vampires and royalties.

Buy your copy of Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth from Sweden Bookshop

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »

Jobs in Sweden, in English

522 jobs available
250 new jobs this week
45 new jobs today

ALL JOBS »

English Speaking Therapist Stockholm
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
Counseling in English
Individuals & Couples - Stockholm Beth Rogerson PhD - Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Click or call 08-5580 1266 now
Doctor of Psychology
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Get on the Tennis Court with www.babolatshop.se
The new Online Tennis Store with the largest selection of Babolat Products in Sweden
http://www.babolatshop.se
Turning Point Counseling
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp
Swedish Down Town
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS