The 28th Cross.

The 27th tributary crosses placed on the pavement of the Old Town Square in Prague, right in front of the Clock Tower.

Here is the story I wish to share with you today.
Just as many old european cities, Prague had its share of men and women who died for their beliefs, and were ready to both kill and be killed for them. And in many occasions, History made them pay the price of such a pledge, and the streets were baptized with their blood.

The 27 crosses you see (well, 26 since I unfortunately missed one) bear witness of such men. Those crosses are a memorial to 27 Bohemian, Protestant noble men who led a revolt against the Habsburg Holy Roman Empire. They failed and were beheaded on the Old Town Square, where the white crosses symbolizing them now are.

The historical background itself is of no importance in what I'm trying to say now. I just want to say that these crosses are a powerful reminder that there was always a kind of men ready to put their lives at stake to the service of an ideal, a higher law. Even knowing that someday their blood might be spilled because of their choices.
There is nothing, absolutely nothing my friends that can erase such Men from the history of mankind. In our collective minds they will stay, as a testimony to steadfastness, fortitude, and loyalty.

And I want to make you aware of the 28th cross. The one which lays there in the secret of your heart, unknown to you maybe. The person who became the symbolic figure representing all what you stand for - and paid the price of blood for his commitment.
We activists all have one, and it's a stern yet friendly presence helping us in the task at hand. Honor it, welcome it, and it will never really die.
Just like a chamanic totem, this ideological totem will choose you - not the other way around - in due time. You will know when it happens.

Blood is thicker than water, people - trust me on this.
And this sentance has more than only one metaphorical signification. You can't scrub blood off the ground, not really. It will stay, and speak to you, just as the crosses of the Old Town Square. And the 28th one that is right there, in your heart and mind.

(Yes, I'm aware that I'm being quite cryptic and nonsensical. Never mind. I'm sure some of you will understand how I feel).