By Nikolas Giannopoulos, Student writer (Intern at Hellenic News of America)
“Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have courage to defend it”- Pericles,
431 BCE
What does it mean to have courage? Each year on November 17th, as the battle cry of the
Polytechnic uprising—“Bread, Education, and Freedom”—echoes through the streets of
Greece and Greek diasporas, we honor the 24 lives lost and the courage of students who,
under a harsh military dictatorship, stood firm against fear and oppression. This annual
commemoration serves not only to remember those brave individuals but to uphold the
principles of democracy and freedom they embodied. These students, often thought
vulnerable to indoctrination, managed to channel the voice of the Greek
people—something seemingly implausible under restrictive conditions.
Today, the unified voice of the emerging generation seems somewhat silenced, “toppled”
by social attitudes that dismiss their crucial role in preserving democracy. Despite such
cultural constraints, young Greeks worldwide continue to champion the enduring values
of the Polytechnic uprising, demonstrating that when young people unite with courage,
they can bring about real change.
One of these voices is Ines Saltiel, the 18-year-old co-founder of Teens for Democracy
and a student at Brown University. Ines embodies the lessons of 1973, advocating for
greater youth involvement in government, a stance she argues is essential for true
democracy. “Teen inclusion in governance is crucial for a thriving democracy,” Saltiel
emphasizes. Her research highlights how teen participation in local governance has led to
a greater focus on climate action and sustainability. “Including teenagers strengthens
democracy by encouraging active participation and setting off a ‘butterfly
effect’—aligning political agendas with goals that benefit society as a whole.”
But where does this unyielding strength of youth movements lie today? The fight for a
voice has taken on new forms—through the digital world. Modern youth, often referred
to as “digital natives,” use social media and other platforms to amplify their causes. In
this vast, globalized digital landscape, young voices sometimes risk being drowned out,
yet they persist in the uphill battle for meaningful change.
“History shows us that young people like Joan of Arc, Barbara Johns, Malala Yousafzai,
and Greta Thunberg have been powerful catalysts for change, challenging the status quo
and bringing fresh perspectives to critical issues,” Saltiel notes. Youth-led
movements—such as Fridays for Future climate strikes in Stockholm or March for Our
Lives rallies in Florida—carry forward a legacy of freedom and courage. Reality has
taught us that the inheritors of our world deserve a right to voice their future needs and
priorities, upholding democracy’s core principle: representation.
As November 17 approaches, let the rallying cry of “Bread, Freedom, and Education”
serve as a powerful reminder that democracy cannot thrive without the courage of its
youth. Let us commemorate the 24 lives lost by honoring their vision and support today’s
young people as we work to protect freedom and pursue justice in a world that needs our
voices now more than ever.
This is not just a celebration of history; it’s a celebration of the new generation and their
unyielding strength.
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