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Initially, students in Prague gathered to commemorate a student protest that had been brutally suppressed 50 years earlier—the one against the Nazi occupation in 1939. However, within hours, November 17, 1989, transformed into a pivotal demonstration against the oppressive regime and marked the beginning of the Velvet Revolution. At that time, people did not have social media, the internet, or free press and radio. News about this extraordinary event, which led to the fall of the regime, spread across Czechoslovakia only after several days. At the Pedagogical Faculty in Pilsen, the current rector of the University of West Bohemia, Miroslav Lávička, was then a first-year student.

How do you remember 1989 today? Do you recall when and how news of the Prague events reached Plzeň?

When I nervously began my first year of university in the fall of 1989, I expected my world to revolve around lectures, seminars, new friends, and, of course, enjoying student life. But within a few weeks, it became clear that my first semester would be entirely different from what I had imagined. It was a very peculiar time—we all felt something was happening, but at first, no one knew exactly what. In Plzeň, the first significant signs of activity appeared, I believe, on November 18. However, for me, everything started on Monday, November 20. That day, and especially the weeks that followed, completely changed my perspective on life and the world around me.

What began to happen in Pilsen that Monday?

We looked up to the colleagues who took the lead in the student protests with great admiration. We respected their courage and their sense of purpose. At that time, I certainly wouldn’t have had such bravery. Gradually, various demonstrations were organized, news spread, and more people began to join. In Plzeň, the natural center was Republic Square, and it was a turning point for us when workers from Škoda joined in. We all saw this as a milestone—that the workers no longer supported the regime. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about students or Prague; it was about the whole country. Despite all the fears and uncertainties, it was undoubtedly an electrifying time. Exams and academic duties took a back seat—there was no time to think about them as universities were on strike. Looking back now, it seems almost amusing, like our "battle" with the regime’s officials over posters: students would put them up, militia members would tear them down, and we would put them up again. Conversely, we removed their posters filled with provocations and slander.

When did you personally begin to believe that change would truly succeed?

Our unofficial anthem at the time was the song Pravda víťazí (The Truth Wins) by the rock band Tublatanka, which had been released in 1988 but suddenly took on a whole new meaning. The belief in the victory of truth grew gradually. For me, the first significant moment was probably on November 25, when Jaroslav Hutka returned from exile—it felt symbolic. Another key moment was when the Federal Assembly, the then-Czechoslovak parliament, removed the Communist Party's leading role from the constitution. And I was finally convinced of success on December 30, when Václav Havel was elected President of Czechoslovakia. I remember the amusing way we relished the sight of even communist MPs, who couldn’t stand him days earlier, unanimously voting for him. It was an incredible period, and everything happened so quickly—within weeks, the world I knew was completely transformed. Thank God.

Today’s generation of students has learned about November 17, 1989, only in history classes or modern history lectures. Some may not have even covered the topic. What would you tell today’s students about why it is still important to remember this event, even 35 years later?

It is often said that those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. I would be very reluctant for our country to ever have to fight again to remove a totalitarian regime, as we did in 1989. Freedom, democracy, and human rights are not guaranteed but are values that must be nurtured and protected. Just look at some countries, geographically close or farther away, which have shifted in ways we would not have imagined just a short while ago. Unfortunately, similar views are increasingly voiced even in our country today. Students back then fought for rights and values we take for granted today. Let us remember November 17, 1989, not only as a symbol of victory over totalitarianism but also as proof that when people unite for a common cause and stand against oppression, they can achieve real change.

Reflections from other personalities at the University of West Bohemia on November 17, 1989:

Jiří Kohout, Vice-Rector for Educational Concept and Student Affairs
For me, it means a new beginning and the start of a new, better, free era. For today's students, this is relevant both because freedom is not a given, and because they should understand that the strong position of students at universities (in senates, etc.) is not self-evident, but stems from the pivotal role students played during the Velvet Revolution. As for my personal memory, I was 4.5 years old, and the only thing I vaguely remember is that they kept interrupting the fairy tales I liked on TV with annoying news reports.

Jiří Hammerbauer, Vice-Rector for Creative Activity and Doctoral Studies
In 1989, I started mandatory military service in September, right after graduating from university. At the beginning of the November events, there was no information available to the soldiers doing their basic military service; there was essentially an information embargo. Later, even our leave was restricted. We could only go beyond the barracks wall as guard patrols, and we only patrolled the outer walls of the barracks. The order was usually: "Remove all leaflets and posters, especially those of the Civic Forum, as well as any information about events in Prague and society, from the walls and fences of the barracks!" We followed this order without question but conscientiously and carefully placed the materials on the opposite garden fence.

After 1989, there was suddenly not just freedom of movement without border controls or restrictions like exit permits, but also freedom in business, expressing opinions, and many other areas, as well as freedom from career assessments. For today's students, it is hard to imagine life before 1989. Thanks to November 1989, they have the opportunity to study languages, travel, study abroad, access virtually any information, and have personal development and education firmly in their hands, which was not the case before.

Jan Váně, Vice-Rector for External Relations and Communications
I was 13 years old, and I remember three basic feelings. Fear and nervousness about the crowds of people gathering in the square, where I went and always stood at the back on the edge so I could disappear if needed. Then there was the incredible euphoria when I finally found the courage to go and get a tricolor that students were handing out in front of what is now the Faculty of Law in Sady. I was terribly embarrassed in front of them. And then anger when the school janitor and the deputy principal ripped the tricolor from me, which I had proudly worn for several days.

Today, I consider November 17th to be one of the most important national holidays we have. I believe it is far more significant for our nation's self-understanding and direction than, for example, October 28th. For me personally, it is a day connected to the reminder that freedom and democracy are states that cannot be sustainably maintained without personal effort and dedication. Masaryk wanted two things: democracy and democrats, and at least 50 years of democratic development for the new republic. Reflecting on the 35th anniversary, I wish we could endure the next 15 years, be able to increase the chances of sustaining democracy, and contribute to the formation of a democratic environment.

Lucie Čulíková, Chancellor
Reminding ourselves of the significance and importance of this anniversary is more crucial today than ever. With the passage of time, society tends to forget the past, and it may happen that we will have to live through it again. Therefore, it is essential to maintain public awareness of the events of November 17th, particularly among the younger generation.

Martina Větrovská, Bursar
I don’t have personal memories of November 17th, 1989 because I was still a toddler. From the period footage that is broadcast every year during the November events, showing Marta Kubišová singing from the balcony of Melantrich, I get goosebumps. Precisely because, as a child, I couldn’t remember and perceive those events. That’s why it is important to remind future generations of this date, so they realize that thanks to the courage of the students in 1989, we achieved what we have today.

Petr Šimon, Ombudsman of the University of West Bohemia
In November 1989, I was 13 years old. It was the age when I was forming my ethical views and values. I don’t want to pretend I understood all the rapid changes back then, but the solemnity and a certain pathos surrounding the words and melody of "Modlitba pro Martu," wearing a tricolor that I cut from medals from various competitions and races, and especially Havel’s words about truth and love, led me to where I am now.

At the same time, I believe it is important not to look back only with pathos at the events that happened 35 years ago but to draw from and build upon the values that the autumn of 1989 brought to Europe. These values should be applied constantly, again and again, into everyday contexts. While these contexts may change, the essence—living in truth—remains the same. That is why I consider November 17th to be the most significant national holiday in the Czech Republic.