International Students Day

November 17 marks the annual International Students Day A holiday of memory and mourning for students who shed blood during the Second World War It was established in London at an anti-Nazi congress in 1942 On October 28, 1939, a demonstration took place in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to mark the anniversary of the creation of the country Students and teachers of many universities in the country took to the streets with banners and slogans During the dispersal of demonstrators by the fascist occupiers, a medical student, Jan Opletal, was shot dead, which gave rise to a wave of indignation in the country and new protests On November 15, the day of the funeral of a deceased friend, riots broke out again in the country The urgent critical situation pushed the fascists to extreme measures Several dozen people were arrested on the same day A day later, on November 17, occupier units surrounded student dormitories and educational institutions About 1,200 people were sent to concentration camps Nine people were executed without trial in prison basements All universities in the country, by order of Hitler, were closed until the end of the war Since 1942, November 17 has been considered the Day of International Student Solidarity, a day of remembrance for the untimely departed leaders of the movement, a tribute to the memory of all students who died during the Second World War On this day, traditional memorial services are held in churches A ceremony is being held at Opletal's grave In 1989, more than 75 thousand students from all over the world gathered for a memorial meeting on the 50th anniversary of Jan’s death Celebrations dedicated to the victims of Nazism take place around the world on November 17th Flowers, candles, and treats are laid at the monuments Each university takes part in the celebration of this significant date Radio and television programs periodically broadcast rare footage of surviving post-war chronicles School students are told about the holiday and its history The goal of teachers and students around the world who sacredly honor this memorable date is the opportunity to call people to kindness, warmth, a peaceful sky and never allow this to happen again