28 October 1918–2026: Freedom, Democracy and Responsibility. Values That Connect Our Past and Future.

108 years ago, an independent, democratic Czechoslovakia was established. A republic founded not only on the desire for national independence, but also on the ideals of freedom, democracy, humanism, human dignity and social justice.

These values formed the foundation of Masaryk's democratic and humanist vision for the new state. Values that gradually became part of the broader European democratic tradition. And values that remain just as important today as they were more than a century ago.

The birth of our republic was far from easy. Its establishment was the result of political determination, civic courage and the sacrifices made by Czechoslovak legionnaires on the battlefields of the First World War. And its democratic ideals had to be defended time and again in the decades that followed.

During the struggle against Nazi occupation, through resistance movements at home and abroad, and by Czechoslovak military units fighting on both the Western and Eastern Fronts of the Second World War. Later, through resistance to communist totalitarianism, the civic courage of the third resistance movement, the legacy of Charter 77 and the democratic awakening of the Velvet Revolution in November 1989.

Our modern history is also the story of people who refused to accept oppression. People who stood up for their beliefs, human dignity and the right to live in freedom, often at great personal cost.

Today, we live in a free and democratic country. Yet we are once again reminded how fragile the values on which our society is built can be.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing war in Europe remind us that freedom, national sovereignty and the right of nations to determine their own future cannot be taken for granted. They remind us that peace cannot be separated from justice, respect for international law and the responsibility to defend democratic values.

In many other parts of the world, democracy, human rights and civil liberties also face serious threats. Social inequalities, societal tensions and distrust in democratic institutions are growing. At the same time, the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly affecting our lives.

It is precisely at times like these that we need values that bring us together, rather than divide us.

Freedom and democracy are not merely the responsibility of political institutions. Their true strength also lies in respect for human dignity, social and human rights, equal opportunities, solidarity and responsibility towards others.

Nor can we separate our responsibility towards society from our responsibility for the environment in which we live. Protecting nature, ensuring a sustainable and socially just economic transition, and promoting responsible business practices are not merely economic and environmental issues. They reflect a commitment to solidarity and responsibility towards future generations.

Masaryk's humanism and his conviction that democracy requires not only institutions, but above all democratically minded and responsible citizens, therefore remain as relevant as ever.

Responsibility for freedom, democracy, human rights, social cohesion and the future of our planet are all interconnected.

The First Czechoslovak Republic left us an exceptionally strong democratic and humanist legacy. Yet we demonstrate its true value not simply by remembering it, but above all through the way we uphold it today.

Freedom and democracy are not merely a legacy of the past. They are our responsibility for the future.

So today, let us remember not only the republic our ancestors built, and which subsequent generations defended and restored. Let us also reflect on the society, Europe and world we will one day pass on to future generations.

Because responsibility is not an optional extra. It is the direction we choose.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and dignified 28 October, a day to honour our statehood and democratic traditions.