Today in Czech History
On today's date in 1969, Jan Palach immolated himself near the top of Václavské Náměstí to protest the 1968 Soviet invation. He died three days later of his burns. Jan Zajíc did the same just over a month later in the same spot. The picture above is of the monument in the spot where they both immolated themselves. There will be hundreds of candles lit there tonight, and many people will gather in silent reflection around the monument.
posted by Praguetwin at
5:27 PM
8 Comments:
some people really know how to protest. I really don't know what to think about such acts. I admire their convictions but there has got to be a better way, ya know what i mean?
By
Graeme, at 6:09 AM
For a person who has openly demonstrated only once, I tend to cringe when these sort of extreme acts take place. However, one wonders, if these are necessary acts to wake the conciousness of many who slumber along in a moral coma? Maybe these sacrafices were the needed seeds that came to fruition some twenty years later?
By
Anonymous, at 6:44 AM
Graeme,
I do know what you mean. Indeed, the students in 1989 that got the Velvet revolution going were more effective, and no one had to die.
Pekka,
One word: balsy. Okay, a couple more. I do believe that the place where these two burned themselves remains a reminder of opposition that is important even today.
These two are celebrated not only today, but also on November 17th, the date of the revolution.
By
Praguetwin, at 8:09 AM
Praguetwin, what does "balsy" mean?
By
Anonymous, at 9:19 AM
Ooops, Ballsy.
By
Praguetwin, at 12:10 PM
Thanks for the correction, Praguetwin! I still had to find the meaning of the word since it wasn't among the 100 I know. :)
By
Anonymous, at 10:52 PM
i am doing a project about your country and i would like to know what you eat for dinner
By
Anonymous, at 12:54 AM
please can you answer me by tomorrow at 8 oclock
american east coast time
By
Anonymous, at 1:31 AM
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