The Doodle for today honours the Czech Republic’s Freedom and Democracy Day! Thousands of people joined the protest against the Nazi takeover by Czechoslovakian students on this day in 1939.
This day is even more special to the Czech people since 50 years later, students organised a memorial march against communism. It marked the beginning of Czechoslovakia’s transition to democracy and sparked a wave of protests known as the Velvet Revolution throughout the country. Because they were essential in achieving freedom, it is also International Students Day.
People all around the nation will wear the blue, white, and red colours of the country and wave flags similar to the one in today’s Doodle. Some people go to patriotic events like the Concert for the Future and lectures about the value of freedom. People are lining up at memorials honouring people who campaigned for government reform, placing wreaths or lighting candles as a show of support for the peaceful protesters.
Happy Freedom and National Day, Czech Republic!