November 17th is a day when we remember and honour the students of the Polytechnic. In 1973, they fought for freedom. It is a celebration of liberty and democracy.

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From 1967 to 1974, Greece was under a dictatorship — power held by a group of army officers. People were afraid to speak freely, and those who did were imprisoned or punished.

The junta controls even the universities. It stops student elections and forces students into the army. This oppression angers them and sparks resistance. In February 1973, students at the Athens Law School occupy their building and demand academic freedom. From the rooftop, they chant for liberty.

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On November 14, 1973, the Polytechnic students occupy their university. Through their act, they show courage and demand freedom. Their chant “Bread – Education – Freedom” becomes a cry for all of Greece.

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Inside the Polytechnic, students build a radio station that runs day and night. From it comes the voice: “This is the Polytechnic! People of Greece, we are fighting for Democracy!” Their message calls the public to the streets.

On the night of November 17, 1973, the army surrounds the Polytechnic. A tank crushes the gate and storms in. Students sing the national anthem, knowing their fight marks the beginning of the end for the dictatorship.

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A few months after the Polytechnic uprising, the dictatorship falls in 1974. Greece becomes free again. The students’ courage becomes a symbol of hope.

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Today, schools hold celebrations and songs for the Polytechnic. Students remember the fight for freedom and democracy. The Polytechnic is not just history — it’s a lesson for life.

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