KDH: Message of 17 November Obliges Us to Protect Truth, Freedom and Dignity

Bratislava, 17 November (TASR) - The message of 17 November obliges us to protect truth, freedom and human dignity; it's a reminder that freedom doesn't fall from the sky and requires civic courage, truthfulness, dialogue and a willingness to work for the good of the country, the opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has said to mark the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and the Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy. "In November 1989, people of all generations took to the streets, driven by their desire for freedom, devotion to the truth and personal courage. Thousands of stories then united themselves in a common decision to change the history marked by communism. Whether it was a silent candle in 1988 or the clanking keys a year later, we were all seeking the truth and we wanted to breathe freely. Our devotion to this truth should remain a light even today, when freedom is once again threatened by visible and hidden threats," stated KDH leader and MP Milan Majersky. At the same time, the Christian Democrats expressed their respect for all those who took the risk of fighting for freedom. They recalled that KDH, as the oldest democratic party, stood at the birth of the changes. "Freedom means living in line with one's convictions, expressing them without fear and taking responsibility for them. 17 November reminds us of the fact that freedom has never been a matter of course and that we must remember those who paid for it with their courage and sacrifices during the totalitarian regime," stated KDH vice-chair and MP Marian Caucik. KDH believes that the message of 17 November calls us to stand up against lies, corruption and chaos "which today threaten our freedom. Freedom dies when we remain silent in the face of injustice and when we resign to moral and social decline. Therefore, we have a duty to protect the truth, character and rules on which our democracy is based," added KDH caucus head Igor Janckulik. The Christian Democrats announced that they would commemorate 17 November at various events throughout Slovakia. KDH will hold a special event to commemorate 17 November at 3.30 p.m. at the Memorial to the Victims of the Communist Regime at the Vrakuna Cemetery in Bratislava. ko