The International Day of Heroes of the Fight against Totalitarianism was established on 25 May - the anniversary of the execution of the Auschwitz hero Rotamaster Witold Pilecki in 1948 by the communist authorities. According to the EU resolution, the day is supposed to be an "expression of respect and a tribute to all those who, by fighting tyranny, demonstrated their heroism and true love for humankind, and will also provide future generations with a clear example of the correct attitude to take in the face of the threat of totalitarian enslavement."