Under grey skies, slightly more than 100 people filled the grass cout-tyard off Ninth Street in observance of Austria's Independence Day an annual remembrance for the country to celebrate its independence from Russia.

Thomas Mohr represented U.S.Cong. Paul Mc.Hale at the event. He noted, in a citation, Austria's 42nd anniversary from foreign domination. The club and Northampton‘s Austrian heritage was hailed as promoting cultural programs between the two countries. The citation said the Austrian community is an integral part of the mosaic which makes the United States what it is.

State Sen. Roy Afflerbach presented the club and the Burgenländische Gemeinschaft citations from the state senate for their work in promoting the Austrian heritage and the bonds developed between the two countries.

Tony Spitzer read a letter in German dialect from President Walter Dujmovits of the international Gemeinschaft. It extolled the work the local chapter led by Tess Teklits.

Another feature of the program was the dedication of a new plaza and flag pole, featuring the raising of the red-white-red Austrian flag along with an American flag that had flown over the nation’s capitol.

Robert Laky, emcee, introduced Mayor Thomas Reenock who read a proclamation observing Austrian-American Heritage Day. Reenock said in 1974 the borough and Stegersbach, a town a little smaller than Northampton in Austria's Burgenland province, became the borough’s sister city. Stegersbach dedicated a memorial to the people of Northampton in 1974 and Northampton honored is sister city in 1990.

Others from the Liederkranz playing major roles not only in Sunday’s event, but many other Liederkranz programs in the community over the years are Frank Spitzer and club president Robert Harder.

Singled out was Willard Keller whose idea and funding helped make the plaza project a reality. Other improvements at the plaza will occur later.

As the first drops of rain fell the crowd sang ,,God Bless America”, then went inside for a goulash dinner and polka music.