Hana Vosečková

"We had no idea the events of November 17 is about to happen, but on November 11, as a preparatory committee for this year's Democratic Initiative, we sent a request to the Ministry of the Interior to register a political party. And they didn't reply until about three-quarters of a year. Despite the fact that the sixth day was November 17, but somehow no political party still suited. I don't know what it was like. Our bosses, there was Emanuel Mandler, if the name means anything to you; there was also Bohumil Doležal, Karel Štindl, then later the ambassador to Poland and Ukraine. That's why we went there, because he married my husband's cousin, so we actually got through to this initiative thanks to him as well."

"When my husband and I signed, it was called the Democratic Initiative at the beginning, and when we signed their statement, I just remember that I was terribly relieved. Although I had small children and I knew what would happen next, because we knew it from my brother. But in spite of everything, I would recommend or wish for anyone who is afraid to experience the feeling, 'Well, what the hell, I'm going for it!'"