Homage to Ferrer i Guàrdia.

Ferrer was born in the village of Alella (Barcelona) in 1859. His life centered on the issues of class struggle, the defense of the republic and freedom of thought. In 1901, he founded the «Escuela Moderna», which characterized its secular leanings by its application of progressive and scientific educational methods, and by its introduction of rationalist, humanitarian and anti-military philosophy. Ferrer also created the International League for the Rational Education of the Youth, which would spread his ideas throughout Europe.

In 1909, and as a consequence of the civil riots of the Tragic Week (“Semana Trágica”) in Barcelona, Ferrer was arrested and jailed. He was accused of crimes against the military, and was tried in court martial proceedings, which unjustly sentenced him to death. Various rallies and demonstrations took place in his defense in different European cities, but to no avail Ferrer faced a firing squad on October 13th, 1909.

Ferrer is remembered by advocates of freethinking the world over, and his memory is kept alive by the Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia Foundation.