Is it possible for one person’s courage to echo through generations? Here, at the Milada Horáková Plaque, we remember just such a woman. This is more than just a bronze plaque. It’s a symbol of resilience against oppression.
The Milada Horáková Plaque stands on Milada Horáková Street. It marks the Prague 7 Municipal Information Center. This place is a reminder of a dark chapter in Czech history. The plaque honors Milada Horáková who was executed in 1950. She was a victim of a communist show trial.
The bronze plaque features a round relief. It shows a portrait of Milada Horáková. There is also a flower decoration holder. The plaque was unveiled on June 27, 2002. This was the anniversary of her execution. The mayor of Prague 7 and the Milada Horáková Club Chairwoman officiated. Excerpts from her letters were read aloud. These letters were written just before her execution. The bronze plaque replaced a temporary one. The temporary plaque had been there since 2000.
Milada Horáková was born in 1901. She was active in the Women’s National Council. Later she joined the Czech National Socialist party. She fought for equal rights and social justice. During World War II, she was arrested for resistance activities. She was imprisoned in Terezin and Dresden.
After the war, she became a senior figure in politics. She was elected to the National Assembly. But she saw the government becoming communist. After the 1948 Communist coup, she was expelled. She chose to stay and resist.
In 1949, she was arrested. She was tortured and charged with treason. The trial was a sham. Milada Horáková defended her beliefs. She was sentenced to death. Despite international appeals for clemency she was hanged on June 27, 1950.
Her execution day is now a Remembrance Day. It is a day for victims of the Communist regime. Commemorative events take place at this memorial. Representatives from Prague 7 and former political prisoners attend.
Other memorials also honor Milada Horáková. There is a plaque on her former home in Smíchov. A monument by Olbram Zoubek stands at the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. A memorial of stones is in Zahrada Ztracenka.
Another memorial is a bird on a microphone on Parliament street. This symbolizes her last words. Her last words are etched on the marble floor. They are translated into four languages.
As you stand here at the Milada Horáková Plaque remember her courage. Remember her dedication to justice. Let her story inspire you. Let it remind you of the importance of standing up for what is right. Even in the face of great adversity. The spirit of Milada Horáková lives on. It lives on in this plaque and in the hearts of those who remember her.