After the end of World War I, national borders in Europe changed. One of the changes was the establishment of the independent state of Czechoslovakia, which was formed jointly by the nations of the Bohemia and Slovakia. This state was established in 1918. Its existence was interrupted by World War II.
The end of the war was followed by 3 years of freedom, but in 1948 the communist regime took power in Czechoslovakia. Over the years, dissatisfaction with this regime accumulated in society. The dissatisfaction peaked in 1968-1969. In these years, the events of the so-called Prague Spring (
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From the beginning of the occupation, the inhabitants of Czechoslovakia did not accept this violent act and protested against the occupation in various forms. The strongest form of protest was chosen by student Jan Palach (
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Another student, Jan Zajíc (
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Both of these young people became symbols of resistance against the occupation and the communist regime.
These brave acts are commemorated by an inconspicuous monument in the pavement of Wenceslas Square in front of the National Museum.
"The modest memorial is located a few metres from the fountain in front of the National Museum on Wenceslas Square in Prague. Here on 16 January 1969, Jan Palach poured petrol over himself and set himself on fire. In the following days, a hunger strike took place on the square to support his demands, and his death mask was exhibited.
This memorial was made by the artist, Barbora Veselá, and the architects, Cestmír Houska and Jirí Veselý. In contrast to the vast majority of memorials, the authors emphasized the horizontal – two low round mounds stick out of the pavement; these mounds are connected together with a cross (at the same time, the memorial should symbolize a human figure as a torch). The cross faces the place where the burning Jan Palach fell to the ground. On the left branch of the cross, there are the names of Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc with their respective dates."
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Personal note:
I cannot accept naming this puzzle "war memorial" as a mistake or ignorance. It is a shameful superficiality. I believe I am entitled to say that because I personally experienced that time (1968-9). Information about this memorial can be easily found today. I have requested Fine Art America for an immediate correction.