'Heart to the Castle' initiative marks 12 years since Havel's death with Prague parade

Political figures and dignitaries across Czechia will commemorate the 12th anniversary of former Czech President Václav Havel's death today, recalling the renowned playwright and dissident's unyielding fight for democracy and human rights.

Havel, who helped topple communism in Czechoslovakia through peaceful protest, died on Dec. 18, 2011, at his country cottage in Hrádečka, Trutnov district (in the Hradec Králové region) at the age of 75. Memorial events are planned throughout the Czech Republic to honor the life and ideals of Europe's first post-1989 leader.

British Ambassador to the Czech Republic Matt Field took to social media this morning to pay tribute. He quoted one of Havel's most famous sayings ("A person should behave as he thinks everyone should behave") and shared a vintage photo of Havel warmly meeting the then Prince Charles, now King Charles III. Field remarked the two formed a friendship.

Former Ukrainian Ambassador Jevhen Perebyjnis, who now serves as Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, also posted an image with Havel, saying he was "pleased it exists and that I was able to shake hands with a great Czech and a great European."

Czech lawmakers also reflected on Twitter about keeping Havel's memory and unified democratic values alive amid political differences.

"Again and again, the memory of Václav Havel fills me with optimism and pride. Despite all the differences of opinion and cross-country friction, it is important to remember that our country will only be well off if we pull together with mutual respect," wrote Czech lawmaker Renáta Zajíčková.

Memorial events are being planned throughout the day. This morning a ceremony at the Senate will be presided over by chamber head Miloš Vystrčil and Vice-President Jiří Drahoš. People in Havel's beloved hometown of Hrádeček laid flowers at his cottage to mark the occasion.

An evening march through the capital, the annual "Heart to the Castle" parade, pays further tribute. The parade, now in its seventh year, plans to symbolically hand over its commemorative heart and an album mapping the project's history to the Office of President Petr Pavel.

The aim of the parade, led in prior years by high-profile public figures, was to remind the nation of values missing under previous presidential administrations, said organizers.

"We carried our hearts to the castle for seven years [and with it the knowledge] of the fact that it was always desperately missing. That's why we returned it there on the day of Havel's death...to remind people of all the values ​​that we thought [ex-President] Miloš Zeman...didn't have," said musician and singer Jiří Bareš, one of the founders of the Heart to the Castle project.

This time, organizers feel Pavel upholds Havel's legacy and have decided to commemorate his first year in office marking the role's renewed commitment to democracy and human rights.

Havel, who passed away in 2011 at age 75, played a pivotal role in bringing freedom and democracy to Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic through his writings and leadership, according to the nation's commemorative law. He remains widely honored as a champion of peaceful political change.