Flags replaced batons. Witnesses reveal the dark side of October 28.

The article reflects on the historical significance of October 28 in Czechoslovakia, from its celebration during the First Republic to its transformation under Nazi and Communist regimes. Initially a day of national pride, it became a symbol of resistance against oppression. Personal accounts highlight the vibrant celebrations of the early years, contrasting sharply with the somber atmosphere during Nazi occupation and later Communist rule, where the day lost its status as a public holiday. The 1988 protests marked a resurgence of civic engagement, culminating in a powerful demonstration against the regime. After the fall of communism, October 28 regained its significance as a national holiday, symbolizing freedom and the birth of the state.