World War II

The Nazis surrendered Upper Austria/Steirmark to the Americans at the close of WWII. Coincidentaly, the surrender took place at the mayor's office right here in Windischgarsten. It still amazes me how much history can be found in this little village.

The German troops were all gathered in Liezen, about 20 minutes by car from here. I assume, back then, maybe a few hours by car on an old war torn road. The soldiers were defeated, hungry and tired. They planned to hand over the state to the Russians, who were on the other side of the river, but the Russian troops had a reputation for torturing and killing the Germans after previous surrenders. So what to do?

I've spoken with some old folks around here - people who experienced the great war. I don't judge them or offer my opinion. I only listen. It's interesting what one can learn when you stop talking. One thing that grabbed my attention was how well they spoke of the WWII American troops. Both Russians and Americans soldiers walked through these parts at one time or another, so they developed their own opinions. They told me how normal it was for the Russians to beat the locals and rape the women/girls before leaving. The Americans seemed to have a sort of kind respectfulness about them not found in other troops. I'm sure not all the Americans were so pleasant, but that was their reputation.

The Nazis didn't surrender to the Russians in Liezen - a few meters away on the other side of the river. They walked 25 miles to Windischgarsten, where the Americans were, and surrendered to them instead. As expected, the German troops were treated with respect and fed, and for this reason, the Americans watched over this part of Austria after the war, not the Russians.

Austria could've turned into a very different place if it weren't for the insight of a few good American leaders. I can't help but feel a little proud of those guys - the Greatest Generation. Today, I hope people around the world understand that America is more than a tangible place. America is a state of mind, a feeling, and a shared idea. America is a verb.

Merry Christmas everyone.