VIENNA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Over 9,000 people gathered at the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial in northern Austria on Sunday to commemorate its liberation by U.S. forces on May 5, 1945.

The annual event this year was held under the motto "Never a number, always human," the Austria Press Agency reported.

Numerous Austrian dignitaries were present including Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka, former President Heinz Fischer and members of the Austrian Jewish community.

Members from all major political parties other than the right-wing Freedom Party were present, with the organizers of the event being opposed to their involvement.

Various dignitaries spoke out against racism and ostracism, and warned of the events that can unfold if these elements remain unchecked.