To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war and the liberation of Austria, a solemn commemoration ceremony was held at the Schwarzenberg barracks in Salzburg. The Salzburg military commander, Brigadier Peter Schinnerl, was able to welcome high-ranking representatives of the US armed forcesthe German Armed Forces and France. Together with members of the armed forces they commemorated the historic events of 1945.
The focus of the event was an ecumenical service and a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the victims of the Second World War. Particular emphasis was placed on the close cooperation between the Austrian Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces – then as now – as well as the joint commitment to peace, freedom and security.
In his speech, Brigadier Schinnerl emphasized: “Today we remember the end of the war 80 years ago. In particular, we remember the members of the 3rd US Infantry Division, who were the first to cross the border at Freilassing and liberate Salzburg without a fight. We include all the deceased and fallen of this terrible Second World War and hold their memory in dignified remembrance.”
With the commemorative event, the Salzburg Military Command sent a clear signal for a living culture of remembrance, international cooperation and responsibility towards history.
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