80 Years Since the End of the War: Ceremonial Acts and Liberation Celebrations in Austria
80 years have passed since the end of the Second World War and the proclamation of Austria's independence, 70 years since the signing of the State Treaty. Therefore, the Federal President, the Federal Chancellery, and the Parliament invite to celebrations and commemorative events. At Heldenplatz and at a liberation celebration in Mauthausen, participants also strongly advocate for a "Never Again".
State Ceremony on April 27
On April 27, 1945, the Provisional State Government consisting of SPÖ, ÖVP, and KPÖ signed the proclamation of Austria's independence at the Vienna City Hall. This declared the annexation to Germany in 1938 null and void and restored the democratic Republic of Austria. Therefore, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen invites to a state ceremony on April 27 - exactly 80 years later. The keynote speech will be given by the Australian historian Christopher Clark.
On May 5 and 6, 1945, around 40,000 people were liberated by the US Army from the concentration camps Mauthausen and Gusen. In Parliament, on May 5, an event against violence and racism will commemorate the victims of National Socialism - the focus here is on the former Nazi killing center Schloss Hartheim, now a place of learning and remembrance.
Liberation Celebration in Mauthausen
On May 11, the large international liberation celebration will take place again at the Mauthausen Memorial. The motto "Together for a Never Again!" is intended to encourage learning from the past, as the Mauthausen Committee Austria (MKÖ) perceives a resurgence of anti-Semitism, racism, exclusion, and authoritarian tendencies. Commemorative and liberation celebrations also take place in numerous subcamps - for example, on May 10 in Gusen or on May 12 in Amstetten, Melk, and Steyr.
"Festival of Joy" in Vienna
On May 8, Europe celebrates the Day of Liberation. On this day in 1945, the German Wehrmacht unconditionally surrendered, marking the official end of the Second World War in Europe. Therefore, a commemorative event is planned at the Federal Chancellery. Also on May 8, the "Festival of Joy" will take place again at Vienna's Heldenplatz, focusing on "80 Years of Liberation from National Socialism - For a Never Again and Peace in Europe". The 95-year-old publicist and contemporary witness Paul Lendvai will speak, with musical accompaniment provided by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, including Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".
On the anniversary of the State Treaty - signed on May 15, 1955, by representatives of the occupying powers USA, Soviet Union, France, and Great Britain, as well as the Austrian government - a ceremony will take place exactly 70 years later in the Federal Assembly Hall of the Parliament.
(APA/Red)
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