November 17: BUT commemorated 35 years of freedom and democracy

On November 17th, the Brno University of Technology (BUT) commemorated the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy and International Students' Day. November 17th celebrates freedom and democracy. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this milestone in our history. This day serves as both a powerful reminder of the courage of students who gave their lives and a reminder of the values we must continue to pursue – freedom, tolerance, and democracy. Universities play an irreplaceable role in democratic societies – they are places where critical thinking is born and nurtured, where students have the space to form their opinions, discuss, and grow. Thirty-five years ago, students were the driving force in the fight for democracy, and therefore, BUT annually honors their courage and sacrifices made in this struggle.

The university’s rector, Ladislav Janíček, along with the chairman of the Chamber of Students of the Academic Senate of BUT, Daniel Janík, attended the commemorative events program in Prague on November 17th. The events began at Hlávka Dormitory, where a Nazi raid took place in 1939 and where, every year, people gather to honor the memory of medical student Jan Opletal and other students who gave their lives for freedom. On behalf of BUT students, Katarína Rovenská delivered a speech at Hlávka Dormitory, highlighting the importance of young people’s active involvement in society to maintain democratic values. This year’s ceremony at Hlávka Dormitory marked the 85th anniversary of the Nazi closure of all universities in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

Afterwards, the procession moved to Žitná Street, where participants honored the memory of Václav Sedláček, who was shot, and Jan Opletal, who later died from his injuries after a demonstration in 1939. They remembered the historical role of students in defending academic freedoms and human rights. At Vyšehrad, they commemorated protests from 1939 and 1989. Academics and students discussed issues affecting modern society.

“Commemorating significant milestones in national history and remembering events essential for our nation’s self-confidence should be an indispensable part of our social life. This applies particularly to the historical events of 1939 and 1989, which left a permanent mark on our nation’s memory. International Students' Day is the only global holiday of Czech origin. Our students, with their spontaneity and sense of justice, expressed their stance and bravely entered public life whenever freedom, democracy, and their values were threatened. This struggle cost many of them their lives. Jan Opletal, Václav Sedláček, and eight other students in 1939 were the first victims, symbolizing all those who followed in their footsteps. We should appreciate the courage of students and young people who stand up to defend freedom and democracy, and listen to their voice and give them space at our universities and in society,” expressed the BUT rector, Ladislav Janíček.

“The freedom we have built is not a given – let’s protect and strengthen it together.” This is the motto of this year’s Brněnský sedmnáctý festival, in which BUT also participated.

Appreciating the value of freedom is essential, and commemorative events remind us of this. In Brno, the first remembrance act took place at the Roosevelt Street Memorial of Three Resistance Movements. Together with university representatives, BUT students laid wreaths to honor fallen students. Martin Očko, on behalf of the Chamber of Students of the Academic Senate of BUT, and Vice Rector Iveta Šimberová paid tribute to the memory of students who fought for freedom and democracy.

Later, there was a program at Freedom Square, where BUT representatives joined others in laying wreaths at the plague column. The musical program featured singer Aneta Langerová, singer-songwriter Thom Artway, the Slovak Jean Valjean Orchestra, the Jánoch folk music ensemble, and Synkopy 21, one of the longest-playing Czech beat groups. At 17:11, the Prayer for Marta was traditionally played, followed by the Czech and Slovak national anthems. The festival also included a documentary screening President about Zuzana Čaputová at the Husa na provázku theater, concluding with a concert by Zrní at Freedom Square.

“Some events must never be forgotten, including the November events 35 and 85 years ago. Only by regularly commemorating these events, along with the related human fates and history, can we appreciate the values of a free and democratic world and the need to fight for freedom,” said the Chamber of Students of the Academic Senate of BUT chairman Daniel Janík.

Historical events from 1939 and 1989 left an indelible mark on Czechoslovak history, placing students in the role of those who stood up for truth and freedom, even in the face of repression. Their determination and belief in freedom permanently changed the meaning of courage. BUT, together with other universities, annually remembers that freedom is not a given, and that the courage of individuals can change the course of history.

Freedom and democracy are central to the university environment and an inherent part of academic life. The memory of students who fought for these ideals reminds us that a strong civil society depends on the courage of its members and the constant pursuit of a better world.