On 26th October the annual celebrations of the Austrian Independence Treaty took place. In Vienna the government remembered the historic event with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by the inauguration of the new recruits of the Austrian Bundesheer. In their speeches president Van der Bellen and chancellor Kurz pointed out the importance of a united Europe.
Why are we celebrating the national holiday?
26th October 1955 was a historic day for Austria. Foreign minister Leopold Figl announced the outcome of long negotiations with the allied forces and the Sowjet Union: “Austria is free”. After the end of World War II Austria was divided among the occupational forces (USA, Sowjet Union, France and Great Britain). With the signing of the Treaty of independence Austria became a free and sovereign country; the occupational forces left. Austria agreed amongst other things to neutrality, never to become part of Germany again and to fight any national-socialistic tendencies and movements.
Celebrations on Heldenplatz
Military parade at Heldenplatz
At 9 am members of the government met at the Burgtor, where they remembered the historic event of the signing of the Austrian Independence Treaty in the year 1955. After the wreath-laying ceremony the military (including the marching band) assembled at Heldenplatz, where the new recruits were inaugurated by the president of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. In their speeches the government and the major of the city of Vienna pointed out the importance of collaboration in Europe. Hundreds of people were present at the event, that was guarded by police and the military.
Military fair and open doors at the ministries
For some years the national holiday has been used as a way of advertising the work of the Bundesheer. From Heldenplatz to Schottentor there were displayed dozens of military vehicles and machines. On Rathausplatz and around the governmental buildings the police, the Alpenverein, ambulances and many more presented their work. Furthermore, the offices of the government opened their doors to the citizens and offered an insight into their work.
Reminder of a united Europe
But amongst all those celebrations, in between cotton candy and balloons, the history of this holiday must not be forgotten. We should be aware of how lucky we are to be living in a free country like Austria and we should always be aware of nationalist and antidemocratic tendencies that threaten the freedom of the country. If celebrating this date with a huge military fair helps raising such awareness, is questionable.
