Obama sends a message to Austria for holiday Americas President Obama has sent his congratulations to Austria in advance of tomorrows celebrations for the Austrian national day. It is a public holiday and all shops are closed but all the museums are open for free as well as other organisations such as government ministries that stage an open day as they do every year on the 26 of October. The Austrian National Day includes a military march past in the capital Vienna as part of a celebration that goes back to the beginnings of the 2nd Republic after WW II. After the end of the War, Austria was occupied by the four Allied powers (Soviet Union, United States, Great Britain and France) and accordingly divided into four zones. With their consent an Austrian government was elected democratically, and the negotiations over a State Treaty ending this occupation were finally brought to conclusion in the spring of 1955. October 26 marks the day that followed the day on which the last foreign troops left the Austrian territory; therefore de facto the first day Austria was again an independent and sovereign country. As the status of permanent neutrality was the condition upon which the Soviet Union had agreed to the signing of the State Treaty, the Austrian Parliament also chose this day to pass the law on permanent neutrality to mark the fact that it was taking a unilateral and independent decision. The government celebrates this day every year with a series of events in Vienna that include a Mass on the Heldenplatz, wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier, a Concert for Austria at the Vienna Staatsoper and finally the new recruits of the Austrian Armed Service are sworn in. Around the country so called marches for fitness are organized to raise awareness among the population about the benefits of exercise and fitness, and around the world the Austrian Embassies celebrate the National Day with receptions for the Austrian citizens. This year in his congratulations to Austria John Kerry on behalf of the President said: On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Austria as you celebrate your National Day on October 26, the 58th anniversary of Austrian neutrality. The United States and Austria share a strong relationship based on historic ties and common values. We are especially delighted this year to celebrate the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We have built an enduring partnership based on shared values and a commitment to promoting democracy, upholding human rights and the rule of law, and fostering economic growth and development across the world. With your contributions to peace and security in Europe and beyond, and your commitment to environmental sustainability, Austria sets a powerful example for people everywhere. We look forward to continuing our common efforts to build a more just, peaceful, and democratic world.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 15:12:49 +0000