Episode 6 - War Memorials

We have been told that every village and town in Austria has a war memorial monument to honor the dead from World War I and II. No matter how small the village, they remember the dead on stone memorials that list the names of fallen soldiers. I found it very touching, especially considering that their side lost both wars. In a small way it reminds me of Confederate memorials I've seen in small Southern U.S. towns. When you experience total defeat, perhaps remembering those who lost everything provides some comfort and faith that lives lost in a losing cause are not lost in vain. At least their loyalty and patriotism will live on to inspire future generations.

This first picture is of the war monument in Donnerskirchen, an old village east of Eisenstadt, that has a current population of about 1,600. The inscription roughly (very roughly - several people struggled to help me with it) translates as: "They were loyal until death/so everything, even life, I give to the crown." The "crown" puzzled people the most since the monarchy was over at the end of World War I.



These pictures are of the war memorial in Eisenstadt, the largest town and capital of the state of Burgenland with a current population of about 12 to 13,000.


This is the memorial to the fallen.


This is the row of honor with names
inscribed on each bronze tablet.


This is the chapel at the memorial.


This is the ceiling inside the chapel.

These pictures are of the war memorial in Siegendorf, located on the grounds of the largest and oldest church in town. Siegendorf has a current population of about 2,700 people. Note the different style of helmets.