Pomník Na stráž War memorial

Welcome to White under Bezdez. Stop for a moment, take a breath and feel the atmosphere of this place. Right now, you're standing in Masaryk Square, in the heart of the village, and one of the very important local monuments stands before you. It's a monument called The Guard. The first impression that radiates from it is a sense of vigilance, pride and deep sadness. It is a place that will stop us in our daily haste and make us think of those who are no longer among us, but whose sacrifices have allowed us to live today. Let us now look together at how this monument came into being and why it is so important for the local people and the whole republic. It was discovered in 1931. It was a period between two major world conflicts, when humanity was still trying to cope with the trauma of the First World War. This terrible war is the main reason why the monument was created. It serves as a constant reminder to the victims of this conflict. At that time, it was very important for communities to have a physical place where loved ones could cry, remember and pay tribute to their fallen sons, fathers or husbands. Pomník Na stráž is therefore not only an artistic work, but above all a profound expression of gratitude and national feeling. Now pay attention to the very form of the monument. You're standing in front of figural plastic, which means that the main part of it is a representation of a human figure. The author's team consisted of two respected creators of their time, Josef Mařatka and Pavel Janák. The cooperation of sculptor and architect in this work resulted in a harmonious whole. Look carefully at the character standing here. It's an image of a French legionnaire. Legionaries in our history were symbols of courage and desire for freedom, people who fought in foreign armies to help build a separate Czechoslovak state. The figure of a legionnaire seems decisive and firm, as if it had actually done its duty. Notice also the lower part of the monument, i.e. its plinth, on which the statue stands. Here you will find the key element of the entire work, and that is the inscription ON THE TRAIN!. These words are not simply an order. They're words that have deep symbolic meaning. They are to remind the living to guard the freedom and peace that have been redeemed with such a high price. It's a call to future generations to never forget what loss means and how important peace is. Feel these words combined with the figure of a soldier create a sense of constant vigilance. When you look at the monument, maybe you feel it's always been there. But the truth is much more dramatic. This monument has its own story that reflects the tragic history of our countries. Let's move on to 1940, when the country was under violent occupation during World War II. At that time, the monument became a dangerous symbol of national resistance and pride. In order not to destroy it or damage it by the occupants who would hate such speeches, a very bold move has taken place. The statue was secretly carried from its place and hidden. Imagine the tension and fear that accompanied these secret operations on a night when people risked their lives just to save a piece of stone that meant more to them than just material. This victim paid off. Once the Second World War ended in 1945 and freedom came, a monument The guard could be reerected to its original place in Masaryk Square. It was a symbol of the victory of truth over lies and life over death. The memorial thus passed from celebrating victory in 1931, through a period of oblivion and hiding in the darkness of war, to a triumphant return. In 1958, the monument was officially declared a protected cultural monument. This means that the state recognised its extraordinary value not only from an art point of view but also from a history point of view. Since then, protecting him is a priority to preserve himself for generations to come. But time passes relentlessly, and even the strongest stone can suffer under the influence of weather and flight. This is why the monument underwent extensive reconstruction in 2006. During this repair, the statue was thoroughly cleaned and restored to return to its original beauty and expression. After completing these works, the monument was festively rediscovered, which was a great event for the city of Bělá pod Bezdězem. The interesting thing is how much this monument unifies the square space. He stands here as a silent witness to everything that goes on in Bela under Bezděz. There are kids walking by, kids going to school, people rushing to their duties and tourists like you. Yet it carries the weight of history that makes us stop for a while. Now try to imagine all the people who have stood before you in the last ten years. How many prayers, how many tears, and how many silent thanks did this memorial take place? This monument shows us that memory is a living thing. It's not just about the data in the books, it's about how we feel when we're facing a specific piece. Josef Mařatka and Pavel Janák did not only create a statue of a soldier, but created a bridge between the past and the present. If you look at the face of a legionnaire, you will see in it the determination to inspire us today. Now that you have learned about the fate of this monument, its creators and its dramatic hiding during the war, I suggest you stay with it for a while. Look at it from different angles, see how light hits it and how it fits into the vicinity of Masaryk Square. Let your thoughts float freely and think about what the word guard means to you personally. What would you guard today to make the future world better? This concludes the short chapter on the Guard Memorial. I hope this story has helped you better understand the importance of this place and that you will leave with a feeling of a deeper connection to the history of Belé pod Bezděz. We now invite you to explore this beautiful city again. Go through the surrounding alleys, admire the local architecture, and look for other hidden stories that hide these places. I wish you a pleasant continued journey and remember that history surrounds us at every step, just knowing where to look. Goodbye and enjoy your day in Bela pod Bezděz.