2023-04-26 15:20:05
Regarding the article about Anton Wallner in the SN local section of April 20: It’s a pity that there weren’t any school directors around 1810 who would have written down what was happening “objectively” at the time. There was “only” Anton Wallner’s simple daughter, Elise, who wrote down his life story.
It would probably be asking a little too much of a young woman at that time to be present on the battlefields in order to do “objective” reporting.
But since Anton Wallner died in Vienna in February 1810, her father was certainly not the only source for her book, but also other contemporary witnesses, not all of whom perhaps had a completely disturbed relationship to the truth.
What should we do now: Disband the Pinzgau Anton Wallner battalion, send our club members home, blow up the Wallner monument in Krimml, perhaps rename the Wallner barracks in Saalfelden to “traitor barracks”?
Entire generations of provincial governors, provincial councilors and other dignitaries have been spouting complete nonsense about Anton Wallner at festivals, celebrations and commemorations for decades. Has none of these high-ranking personalities ever found out more about what or who they are speaking about?
Today we can probably hardly imagine the time around 1800. The simplest, poorest way of life, miserable transport routes, cumbersome, lengthy means of communication, confused, constantly changing political and religious conditions. Anton Wallner could really have made it easier for himself – staying at home, devoting himself to his family and his livelihood and not interfering in anything. But he must have been asked and urged by his fellow citizens to organize and lead resistance in a limited area in these difficult times when Napoleon was sweeping across Europe. He tried because he had the ability and because he believed he could protect and defend his homeland and faith.
Digging through all sorts of historical records and reinterpreting them reminds me of an anecdote about archaeologists digging in the distant future and coming across a modern-day garbage dump. Among other things, they discover a toilet seat and a great deal of guesswork ensues as to what that could be. Finally, the experts determine that this was the large ceremonial collar that was worn around the neck during festivities.
Walter Bachmaier, for the historical Anton Wallner Schützenkorps Krimml (secretary for 52 years now), 5743 Krimml
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