Upwards of 80 million people have died unnatural deaths under communist regimes.
The Black Book of Communism" estimated over 94 million deaths from communist atrocities, with subsequent research suggesting upwards of 80 million unnatural deaths.
Why a monument?
A monument dedicated to victims of communism serves as a powerful tool for education, remembrance, and prevention. Here's why:
Living History Lesson:
Historical trauma isn't just news; it's an experience etched into lives. The monument educates on the depth of suffering under communist rule.
Preserving Memory:
It stands as a testament to the atrocities committed, preserving the memory of those who suffered. This ensures the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms is not forgotten.
Guard Against Historical Amnesia:
As time passes, there's a risk of forgetting past lessons. The monument acts as a constant reminder of the human cost of oppressive ideologies, preventing historical amnesia.
In short, the monument is a tangible reminder, educating, preserving memory, and guarding against forgetfulness to shape a more just and humane future.
“In keeping silent about evil, in burying it so deep within us that no sign of it appears on the surface, we are implanting it, and it will rise up a thousand fold in the future. When we neither punish nor reproach evildoers, we are not simply protecting their trivial old age, we are thereby ripping the foundations of justice from beneath new generations.”
― Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956