The highlight of the day was the state ceremony at the veteran monument Restare, where H.M. The King and H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip participated alongside Supreme Commander Michael Claesson and several ministers. During the ceremony, the King awarded the Royal Order of the Sword's military cross to Major Anders Eckerberg (P 18) and Lieutenant Colonel Liridona Dauti (F 17) for their actions during combat in Chimthal, Afghanistan in 2011.
In Gothenburg, H.R.H. The Crown Princess attended a ceremony at Gustaf Adolf's Square, where she laid a wreath to honor fallen Swedes.
The veteran reception was named Veteran of the Year 2025 by the Swedish Veterans Federation. The award was presented by the federation's chairman, Brigadier General (Ret.) Mats Ström, who emphasized that the reception "makes a difference – every day – for those who have served Sweden in the name of peace." Curator Joel Bramsgård, with four international missions behind him, accepted the award along with colleagues.
– What an honor and appreciation for our work! Many international veterans carry a heavy burden, and being part of this work feels like confirmation that we are making a difference, said Bramsgård according to the Veterans Federation.
Veterans Day is observed annually on May 29 and has been an official flag day since 2018. The day marks Sweden's participation in international military and civilian operations and coincides with the UN's International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.