On Tuesday, the day before the national holiday, the traditional flag parade of the Styrian emergency organizations took place in the courtyard of Graz Castle.
In his welcome speech, Governor Christopher Drexler thanked the numerous representatives of the emergency services: “This event has a long tradition and has offered the opportunity to officially say thank you since 1983! The deputations of the deployed emergency, blue light and rescue organizations are representative of many thousands of people in our country who work 365 days a year on a voluntary and full-time basis for people in need and exceptional situations. Your commitment is indispensable, especially in times like these – and above all priceless. It is not self-evident that one puts oneself in the service of the general public and – if the worst comes to the worst – risking one’s own life. Especially in the run-up to the national holiday, those who represent the backbone of society deserve special praise and my personal respect!” Honorary formations from the Styrian military command, from the Styrian State Fire Brigade Association, from the police (LPD), from the Styrian Red Cross, from the Green Cross, from Christophorus -Air rescue association, from the mountain rescue service, from the KIT state of Styria, from the Austrian and Styrian water rescue, from the Styrian national association for cave rescue, from the Maltese hospital service and from the Austrian rescue dog brigade came together to celebrate the national holiday in a ceremony of thanks, reflection and pause , to commemorate. In addition to the Mayor of Graz, Elke Kahr, numerous guests of honor – including Deputy Governor Anton Lang and Director of the State Office Brigitte Scherz-Schar – presented themselves. State fire director Reinhard Leichtfried held the speech on behalf of all emergency organizations. Leichtfried: “With the war in Europe and other geopolitical hardenings, we are experiencing a turning point, the consequences of which we will probably have to deal with for longer than we would all like. As a result of these developments, we as a society are all the more challenged to subordinate individual personal interests to the ‘we’ and to securing a common, peaceful, solidary and secure future. With the aim of creating perspectives and stability for future generations through responsible action.”
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