Living freely in the Czech Republic is a significant benefit not taken for granted; remembering those who protested and fought for the country’s freedom are commemorated annually. Jan Palach was a young student who protested the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Russian troops. He committed self-immolation on 16 January 1969 on Wenceslas Square and subsequently died three days later.
While freedom came many years later, this young man and others like him were in many Czech hearts who yearned to be rid of communism. Protests that were suppressed occurred throughout the communist years on the anniversary of his death on 19 January. Nowadays on the anniversary of his death there are many commemorative ceremonies throughout the country and here in Prague people go lay flowers and light candles at his memorial located at the top of Wenceslas Square or at the Olšany Cemetery in Prague where he is buried.
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