Carinthia honours victims of Nazism at annual memorial

Nearly 3,200 victims of National Socialism were remembered at an annual ceremony at Annabichl Cemetery on Austria’s National Day. The event was organised by the Memorial Kärnten/Koroška association, ORF reported.

Participants laid a wreath at the memorial, where the victims’ names are displayed on glass panels. Their attendance was described as a stand against the resurgence of fascism, racism and antisemitism, a position also supported by the official state of Carinthia.

Martin Kušej, a theatre director and former head of the Burgtheater, delivered this year’s commemorative address in the ceremonial hall. He spoke about differing ideas of home and the political appropriation of the concept. “Who does the homeland belong to? To us! Let us not allow scoundrels to take it away from us, and let us protect it,” said Kušej, who is himself a Carinthian Slovene.

Alexander Petritz, chair of Memorial Kärnten/Koroška, said it was important to stand up for democracy and freedom, handle history responsibly and oppose fascist and antisemitic movements.

Carinthia Governor Daniel Fellner said people should check information, including answers generated by artificial intelligence, before forming opinions or making judgments. Democracy depended on people judging objectively and taking responsibility, he said, urging them to think for themselves, accept responsibility and preserve freedom.

Speaking on behalf of Klagenfurt Mayor Christian Scheider, city councillor Franz Petritz highlighted the importance of art and culture. A living culture of remembrance, he said, helped ensure society remained democratic and respectful.