Anton Pižurný

“After November 17, 1989, my friend Paľo who lived in Prague brought us a videotape of the policemen beating students in the Národní třída (avenue in Prague). At first, we thought it was impossible and that this could not be happening. Paľo confirmed that it was true. He had been there and seen it happen. It was then when we realized that something was happening and that it was not okay for the state to treat its own citizens, especially students, in that way. Well, afterward, the whole process started; we founded VPN (Public Against Violence) in that sawmill where I worked; we founded a citywide VPN organization. On the 24th of December, there was a general strike in the Holy Trinity Square. There, in front of the whole square, we spoke and it felt amazing.”

"It was a few days after we came back from Lake Balaton, I recall my mother coming into my room. At that time, I already noticed the queues forming. People were standing in long lines in front of shops, they were buying groceries, flour, pasta, canned food and so on. And then, my mom entered my room and said: 'My dear son, there may be a war coming.' And I burst into tears; I really remember myself crying back then. Eventually, there was no war, but I recall those big lorries passing in front of our house a few days later. Not tanks, I think there were no tanks where we lived, but lorries with a white stripe passing and making that loud rumbling noise. I was terrified of those, that I can tall."