Future vision for Europe: Denkforum in Bad Leonfelden on December 11th

Future vision for Europe: Denkforum in Bad Leonfelden on December 11th

As part of the commemorative year "35 Years of the Iron Curtain", an important event will be held in Bad Leonfelden on December 11th. The aim of this gathering is not only to think back to history, but also to develop perspectives for a united and peaceful Europe. In a country that was separated by walls three decades ago, this reflection on peace and unity is the key to a hopeful future.

35 years ago, the iron curtain fell and the first steps were taken into a new, limitless world. Ten years after this historical event, a memorial was built in Guglwald, which was followed by the association "Denkstein Eiserner Curtain". The renaming of the association two years ago was based on the idea that thinking should be illustrated beyond the limits of the past. "We not only want to keep memories awake, we want to give food for food for a Europe that lives in freedom and peace," explains the association's chairman, Bernhard Winkler.

an event with added value

The event becomes all the more important through the first thought forum, which will take place in the Haus am Ring in Bad Leonfelden. Here new impulses are to be given to encourage people, especially youth, to actively think and discuss. Ex-Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner will also invite the guests to work together on the challenges that we may still keep in our heads.

Winkler, who grew up on the border, shares his personal experiences from the time before the fall of the Iron Curtain. As the son of a former mayor of a border community, he knows how important it is to build bridges in his region. "It was a miracle to be able to experience this day," says Altlandese captain Josef Ratzenböck, who cut the curtain at the Wullowitz border crossing with Miroslav Šekyř. These two personalities have experienced a painful farewell to a shared past and are looking forward to an united future today.

This event not only offers a review of the history, but also a look into the future: The book "From the Iron Curtain to the European Unity" is presented during the event. In this book, contemporary witnesses share their personal experiences and insights from the time of the iron curtain. Albert Ettmayer, part of the editorial team, emphasizes the importance that personal stories and experiences are part of this project. "We didn't want to write theoretical book, but stories that touch and educate," says Ettmayer.

Information on registration

The event on December 11th invites everyone to register at ischerervorhang.eu/an-eu/an-e. All other program items can also be found here. In addition, the book can be purchased from December 11th at a price of 34.50 euros-pre-orders are possible both by email at history.heimat@gmail.com, as well as in the Frick bookstore in Bad Leonfelden or in Rohrbach-Berg.