A tragic accident a selfless act. This is the story of Margarete Manhardt. We stand before the Margarete Manhardt memorial a poignant tribute to a young woman’s extraordinary sacrifice.
Margarete Manhardt a humble housemaid lived a simple life. She worked for the Littner family in Vienna. She cared deeply for their two young children Gertrude and Georg. One fateful day in November 1926 while taking the children for a walk a tragic accident occurred. A speeding beer wagon swerved. Margarete instinctively pushed the children out of the way. She saved their lives sacrificing her own.
The news spread like wildfire. The city mourned. Margarete became a symbol of selflessness. Her act of courage touched hearts. Donations poured in. The Kronen Zeitung a popular newspaper spearheaded a campaign. They raised funds for a memorial.
Josef Riedl a renowned sculptor created the monument. It depicts a kneeling woman representing Virtue. Two children flank her symbolizing the saved children. The original memorial stood on Sterneckplatz. It was later removed during the Nazi era. The Nazis wanted to erase the memory of a Christian woman saving Jewish children. A replica was erected in 1967 at the Max-Winter-Platz where it stands today a powerful reminder of Margarete’s selfless act.
The Margarete Manhardt memorial is more than just a statue. It is a testament to human kindness. It’s a reminder that even in the face of death selfless love prevails. It honors a young woman who gave her life for two children she loved. The children she saved Gertrude and Georg Littner emigrated to the USA. They thrived and had numerous descendants. The story of Margarete Manhardt is one that must be shared and remembered. It inspires hope courage and compassion. Let us honor her memory by cherishing the values she embodied.