Why May Day Should Be International Victims of Communism Day

May Day’s Dark Legacy: From Labor Holiday to Communist Propaganda

Since 2007, I have advocated for designating May 1st as International Victims of Communism Day. The rationale is simple: May Day began as a holiday for socialists and labor union activists, not exclusively communists. However, over time, the Soviet Union and other communist regimes seized the date as a propaganda tool to legitimize their authority.

Instead of celebrating communist oppression, this day should honor the millions who suffered under these regimes. The Black Book of Communism estimates that communist tyranny killed between 80 and 100 million people—more than all other twentieth-century tyrannies combined.

Why a Victims of Communism Day Is Necessary

Just as Holocaust Memorial Day raises awareness of Nazi atrocities, a Victims of Communism Day would:

• Commemorate the victims of twentieth-century totalitarianism.
• Highlight the dangers of left-wing totalitarianism and government-controlled economies.
• Reduce the likelihood of such atrocities recurring.

Global Impact of Communist Regimes

While communism is often associated with Russia, its horrors were felt worldwide. The deadliest communist regime was not in Russia but in China. Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward remains one of the deadliest mass-murder events in history.

Lessons from a Century of Communism

On November 7, 2017—the 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution—I outlined key lessons from a century of communist rule. The post emphasized that the horrors of communism were not circumstantial but inherent to the system itself. While factors like flawed leadership and cultural contexts worsened outcomes, the core issue was the inevitable dictatorship arising from a government-controlled economy.

Is Communism Still a Threat?

Though communist ideology has declined since its mid-twentieth-century peak, it is far from extinct. Unreformed communist regimes remain in power today, proving that the ideology’s dangers persist.

Conclusion: A Day of Remembrance and Warning

Victims of Communism Day would serve a dual purpose: honoring the dead and preventing future atrocities. By recognizing the scale of communist crimes, we can ensure that history does not repeat itself.