Memory in Voitsberg: Traditional celebration in honor of the fallen

Memory in Voitsberg: Traditional celebration in honor of the fallen

On October 25, 2024, a significant memorial celebration took place in Voitsberg, which was organized by the Austrian Comradeship Association Voitsberg. This event has a long tradition and regularly attracts numerous participants. The festive occasion began with a Holy Mass in the Josefskirche, at the diocesan bishop Dr. Wilhelm Krautwaschl led the ceremony. This religious component gave the celebration an appropriate setting and concluded the participants in a moment of reflection.

After the service, those present, led by the Hödlgrube-Zangtal mountain chapel and secured by the Voitsberg police, marched to the war memorial at the Michaelskirche in a solemn procession. Such moves are a way to commemorate the fallen comrades and victims of wars. Many important personalities in the region gathered in front of the war memorial.

appreciation of the fallen

Chairman Günter Salmutter welcomed numerous guests of honor, including Mayor Mag. (FH) Bernd Ouprian, Mayor Kurt Christof and other representatives of the city as well as members of the ÖKB. This opportunity was used to appreciate the achievements of the fallen soldiers from both world wars. The speeches of Bernd Ouprian, Ing. Johann Harrer and Salmutter not only reflected the memory of the past, but also refer to the current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This clarifies that the memory of the fallen soldiers always has a contemporary reference.

A moving moment was the symbolic wreath laying, which paid the fallen respect and expressed the dismay of the present. Such actions are important to keep the memory awake and emphasize the importance of peace.

After the official commemorative ceremony, a defilation of the commemorative train took place in front of the guests of honor, which underlined the solemn character of the event. The day ended in a cozy atmosphere at a dinner together in the Gasthaus Merta, where the Hödlgrube-Zangtal mountain chapel provided musical entertainment.

This tradition of the memorial ceremony in Voitsberg shows how important it is to commemorate the fallen comrades and to carry the teachings from history to the present. The event was not only a moment of memory, but also a sign of the community and peaceful coexistence.

Photos of the celebration were provided by the Voitsberg volunteer fire brigade, which were also part of the commemoration.