Ulrichsberg in Austria
Soldiers’ gathering combined with the Austrian Independence Day.
National events have been held on the mountain “Ulrichsberg” as far back as the 1500s. At that time, the mountain became a symbol of the returning Austrian national. A position that was later taken over by soldiers when they had been in combat and had defended the country.
After both World War I and World War II, a strong Austrian national popular movement developed, which made the mountain a symbol of the national identity and of pride in one’s country.
The large gatherings on the mountain have been, and still are, held in cooperation with the Austrian army, and mountain vehicles are made available for visitors.
The old church ruin is used for Catholic services and blessings for peace.
Photo of the mountain “Ulrichsberg” with the church ruin. The mountain and the church can be seen from the barracks in Graz-Wetzelsdorf.
Photo of the Danish commemorative plaque installed inside the church, which recalls Danish participation as well as the Danish fallen. The plaque was donated as a gift to the event sometime in the 1960s by EHR.
Photo of FJL when he participated as an invited speaker on peace in Europe and, in that context, laid a wreath for the fallen and the bereaved.
Here is a brief overview of emblems and events associated with the gatherings on and around Ulrichsberg.
Some of the more prominent decorations are the Grand Cross (silver + gold) and the honorary emblem (silver + gold).