May 8, 1945, not only marks the end of the Second World War in Europe, for Austria it is also the day it was liberated from National Socialism. Austrian state officials found numerous occasions to silently remember the eventful, historic days of 1945, as many in-person celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA — APRIL 27
On April 27, 2020, Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz lays a wreath at the Memorial for the Victims in the Fight for Austria’s Freedom in Vienna, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Republic of Austria as a sovereign, independent and democratic state.
Liberation of Mauthausen Camp — May 5
On May 5, 2020, marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp by the U.S. Army, Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen lays a wreath honoring the victims. According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, “an estimated 197,464 prisoners passed through the Mauthausen camp system between August 1938 and May 1945. At least 95,000 died there. More than 14,000 were Jewish.” Read more here.
Liberation day — May 8
On May 8, 2020, Austrian Federal Minister for the European Union and Constitution Karoline Edtstadler lays a white rose at the Memorial Against War and Fascism in Vienna as a clear sign against any form of anti-Semitism. Paying tribute to all those standing up for tolerance and humanity goes along with Austria’s strong commitment to #NeverAgain and #NeverForget by strengthening our efforts to contemporary Holocaust remembrance, as this work is more important than ever.
GREETINGS FROM U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP
For the United States, as one of the four Allied Forces, May 8th, is observed as Victory in Europe Day, celebrating the complete and unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied Forces. On this occasion, U.S. President Donald J. Trump sent a video message to the Austrian people, highlighting the strong bond between our two nations.
"75 years ago, World War II came to an end, and a relationship developed with Europe, that's stronger now than ever before. A little over a year ago, I met with Chancellor Kurz of Austria. We developed a great relationship, and, maybe most importantly, we have an unbelievable trading relationship with Austria itself. Our people get along, we respect the nation, and the Chancellor has done a fantastic job. This bond will continue onward forever."
#LiberationDay #VEDay #NeverForget #AskWhy