“A pivotal historical event”. Politicians and witnesses commemorated the Prague Uprising on the radio

On May 5, 79 years ago, the Prague uprising against the Nazi occupiers began. Politicians and some witnesses came to honor the memory of the fallen in front of the historic building of Czech Radio. On May 5, 1945, at six o’clock in the morning, the phrase “Je sechs hodin” was heard on the radio. From then on, the radio broadcast only in Czech, including Czech music, which had been banned until then. The building on Vinohradská třída was then occupied by the Nazis and heavy fighting began in which 170 people died. Their memory and the bravery of the people of Prague at that time were praised in speeches by the participants of the memorial service at the Czech Radio building. They emphasized that there is a need to fight for freedom.

“The fighting on the Prague barricades in May 1945 is a fundamental historical event. The Prague Uprising is a heroic upheaval in which we proved that our people and soldiers never came to terms with the Munich Agreement and capitulation. Czech patriots fought and died during the Prague Uprising, and thanks to Czech Radio the entire nation could watch this heroic struggle. The uprising had a national character,” said Senate President Miloš Vystrčil (ODS).

“I would like May 5 to be a reminder of those who were able to face evil,” said Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS). In the speech, he pointed out that the greatest threat to freedom and democracy is relativization, a blurred view, when it is not clear what is good and what is bad, and that it is important to be able to step out of gray and comfortable mediocrity. “We must also remember those who achieved this,” he added.

The Speaker of the House Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09) highlighted the bravery of the Czechs at that time and also praised the attitude of Czech society today towards the war that was provoked by Russia in Ukraine. “Today, 79 years after the Prague Uprising, the Czechs, with their initiative to purchase ammunition for the defiant Ukrainian army, once again demonstrate to the entire free world that we can lead and inspire others by our own positive example,” she said.

According to Slovak Ambassador Ingrid Brocková, the legacy of the Prague Uprising, as well as the Slovak one, is timeless and reminds us of the nation’s courage to stand on the right side of history and defend freedom. “We must keep reminding ourselves of this legacy. The Prague Uprising is rightfully one of the most important milestones in the modern history of the Czech Republic. Let’s not forget that freedom is not a given,” she said.

The anniversary of the May Uprising of the Czech people is an important day in the Czech calendar. On Wednesday, May 8, the Czech Republic, together with most European countries, will commemorate as a national holiday the day when Nazi Germany signed its capitulation on May 8, 1945.