COME TO THE RALLY – AUGUST 23RD, 12 PM, BOSTON COMMON IN FRONT OF THE STATE HOUSE, NEXT TO THE CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL

Black Ribbon Day, observed each August 23 rd , is the international remembrance day for victims of totalitarian regimes, specifically communism and fascism.

On August 23 rd, 1939 two totalitarian states – Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union – concluded a notorious Non-Aggression pact, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This agreement propelled the tragedy of the Second World War and its consequences of the Holocaust, concentration camps, gulags and spread of communism over the globe. This tragic date has been remembered across the globe for decades. It was made an official Day of Remembrance in 2008 by the European Parliament and adopted by US and Canada.

We must learn from our past and remember those millions of lives destroyed under Communism and Nazism, so that we can treasure our freedom and never again allow for any rebirth of totalitarian systems. Totalitarian regimes always start the same way – free speech violations, media censorship, destruction of historic monuments, intimidation of political opponents – and always end in abolition of democracy and massive loss of human life. No totalitarian regime declares these goals at its outset. In fact, many of its early advocates often enter the movement with “noble” goals lured by seductive slogans and claims of equality and liberation. That’s why the general public needs to be reminded what the inevitable end result is.

As refugees of Communist countries, we know firsthand the dangers of authoritarianism. We’ve seen how easily people can grow comfortable with surrendering their most basic rights. On this day, we want to warn our fellow Americans of the dangers of Communism.

Our peaceful rally will take place in Boston Common, across the road form the State House, on Sunday, August 23rd at 12 pm.

Speakers will include representatives of different immigrant groups sharing their experiences of life under Communism and other totalitarian regimes.

If you want to speak at the rally, you are very welcome. Please let us know and we’ll include you in the program.

Masks will be required and social distancing observed Emoji. The outdoors demonstrations of political expressions are legally exempt from Gov. Baker’s order for limitations on public gatherings.

Please spread the word.

antitotalitarianrally@gmail.com