35 years after the border opening: Retz commemorates the historical moment

35 years after the border opening: Retz commemorates the historical moment

On December 17, 1989, a striking event took place in Laa/Thaya in the history of Central Europe: the representatives of Austria and the Czech Republic separated the Iron Curtain together. This symbolic act meant the end of a long period of separation between the two countries and initiated a new era of growing together. Exactly 35 years later, politicians, contemporary witnesses and citizens gathered in order to duly appreciate this significant moment.

The ceremony was organized by the Rugia student connection in Retz, where Mayor Stefan Lang welcomed those present. He conveyed the significant change of the former "death zones" area to a visible sign of reconciliation and closer economic and cultural exchange.

emotional reviews and historical references

As part of the celebrations, Jiří Kacetl, the Vice Mayor of Znaim, spoke about the deep roots of separation between the countries that go back to the 13th century. He described his personal experience particularly impressively: as a 14-year-old, he experienced the opening of the border and the change of fear too joy. "In the past, my father thought it was impossible to go to Vienna. After the opening of the border, I was impressed by what I saw in Retz," he recalled.

Another emotional highlight was the participation of Monika Árkai, the daughter of the Czech Foreign Minister Jiří Dienstbier, who reported her father again after four years of separation. She compared the moment with a folk festival, accompanied by brass music and a celebration. Edith Mock, the widow of the former Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock, also spoke about the moving memories of this time and told about the joy when the fence fell on the Hungarian border.

sustainable diplomacy and economic visions

The ceremony also offered space for special discussions in which both reigning and former diplomats of both countries reflected on the positive developments since 1989. Georg Stöger, the Austrian Honorary Consul, emphasized that economic cooperation is the key to long -term peace and asked for legal relief as well as the introduction of the euro in the Czech Republic.

The event also included a visitor program that focused on educational institutions in the region. At a kindergarten in Mitterretzbach, the team received a special surprise in the form of a luminous globe from Dr. Edith Mock to support the pedagogical work with the children.

In the tourism schools in Retz, guests were able to gain an insight into the modern educational landscape, while the students were given the opportunity to present their views in a discussion round. In summary, the day not only offered a review of an eventful history, but also an outlook on the potential cooperation and the friendship between the two nations.