Konstantinos Tsatsos: The 1941 speech that sparked October 28 celebrations

During the German occupation of Athens in 1941, law professor Konstantinos Tsatsos delivered a historic speech that became a catalyst for the commemoration of October 28.

Despite orders from the university rector to proceed with his scheduled Philosophy of Law lecture or vacate the hall if students attempted demonstrations, Tsatsos chose to defy authority. He posted a notice stating, ‘On Tuesday, October 28, 1941, I am prevented from teaching,’ which served as an invitation to his students to observe the anniversary of the 1940 national holiday. Tsatsos ultimately gathered his students in the central amphitheater to deliver a message regarding the beginning of freedom.