August 23rd
August 23rd 1944 is the day of the coup d'etat against the pro-Nazi political group, the coup that led to our army joining the Allies. The consequences were important, some even claim it shortened WWII by as much as 6 months, but not so happy for our country.
As history is nothing but an instrument for the ones having power, we were taught different of what we are told now and different probably of the other peoples' perception. (I was talking to an American teacher this summer and she had no idea we had even been in WWII! She was surprised to find we had fought both directions, East and West, all the way.)
Anyway, for many years, August 23rd here meant huge shows on the stadiums glorifying the communist regime and its leaders. Thousands of people, from workers to students and teachers (a lot of them!) who were announced in May they had been "selected" to take part and they would start rehearsing in June, as everything had to be perfect. That meant you'd spent at least two months scorching in the sun day by day, no excuse accepted. In the end, the result looked like this. And you were free to enjoy the rest of the summer, if you could.
The day was free, most of those not taking part in the show were supposed to go to the big march and parade that took place in every town. It was our national holiday. Now it's only a bitter memory, which led to this uninteresting post.
6 comments:
I understand you. It was the same for us with 18th July, when the Çspanish Civil War started. In this case, it was not a rebellion against any nazi party, it was against the democatric government of the Republic.
We also had those "glorious"parades and exhibitions. Meanwhile, people had to leave the country to look for work and freedom.
fortunately, it's over.
It's over for now, but all the bad things of the past can happen again any time. First, because we forget. Then, because all was invented and accepted from humans, nothing was imposed by an exterior force. So, it's nothing "abnormal" for the human race.
Never mind, here is a site I've discovered and you might enjoy, unless you already know it: http://www.eurozine.com/
I particularly liked the article on the ignored Holocaust (talking of unknown history) and the one called "Go West..."on female ilegal immigrants. If you ever have nothing better to do.
You know the American philosopher Santayana, who had family in Ávila, said:"those who forget their past are obliged to repeat it". The past is a learning source, I learnt the lesson, and I'm sure citizens would never allow attrocities again.
When things were not safe enough for the family we moved to the States, then we came back. but I never had to take part in these "festivities", so to say.
As usual, I am more pessimistic. I don't think lessons are really learned. Only by a few who take the trouble to think. For the rest, it's quickly forgotten. And hearing normal-looking people saying things like:"I think all the ...(fill in with a minority name of your choice) should be...(various solutions)" or:"I think what we need now is a military regime" or similar things, makes me furious and mad.
I just found this quote that fits here:"History is an art gallery with few original works and many copies". Let's hope the copies are made after the good paintings.
It's one o'clock and so quiet that nothing bad seems possible. It's an illusion.
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