Did Ernst Kirchweger ever imagine his name would grace a plaque in Vienna? Here at the Ernst Kirchweger Plaque, we remember a man who fought and ultimately died for his beliefs. The Ernst Kirchweger Plaque, unveiled on November 8, 1989, stands as a stark reminder of the political struggles that shaped Austria’s Second Republic. Kirchweger, born in 1898, lived a life marked by unwavering dedication to his political ideals. He served in World War I, fought alongside the Red Army, and actively resisted fascism and National Socialism, even after surviving a concentration camp. In 1965, Vienna became a battleground of ideologies. Students, former resistance fighters, and union members clashed with a right-wing student organization during a protest against a university professor accused of antisemitism. Kirchweger, at 67 years old, found himself caught in the crossfire. He was attacked and severely injured, dying three days later. The Ernst Kirchweger Plaque marks the tragic end to a life dedicated to fighting injustice. 25,000 people mourned his passing, a testament to his impact. His ashes now rest in Hietzing Cemetery. The inscription on the Ernst Kirchweger Plaque reads: “Ernst Kirchweger / from 12.1.1898 – 2.4.1965 / He fought for Austrian freedom and independence / He gave his life for his anti-fascist conviction.” This plaque serves not only as a memorial to Kirchweger, but also as a symbol of the ongoing struggle against oppression. His story reminds us that the fight for justice and equality demands courage and unwavering conviction, sometimes at great personal cost.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to