CZECH the NEWSNEWS Newsletter of the Embassy of the 25 Years of Freedom US Capitol Unveils Havel’s Bust Special Edition | February 2015 and Democracy n November 17, 1989, Othe began with a peaceful student march and led to a remarkable transformation from communism to the re- establishment of democracy. The courageous dissident, prisoner of conscience, and talented playwright Václav Havel became the tenth and last President of and later the first President of the Czech Republic. Twenty- five years later, Washington celebrated to honor President Havel’s inspirational legacy, commemorating the significant anniversary dear to both Czech and American hearts. Photo courtesy of Miroslav Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav Former First Lady of the Czech Republic, Dagmar Havlová, Speaker Jan Hamáček, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, US House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, US Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) Contents: applaud the unveiling of Havel’s bust at the US Capitol. Ambassador’s Message...... 2 chiseled bust of Presi- Adent Václav Havel now Czech Delegation Visits DC...... 2 sits in the United States Capi- Czech Philharmonic Attracts tol, the home as well as ultimate Thousands ...... 3 symbol of democracy in Amer- ica and abroad. His likeness Gala Dinner Honors Havel’s Global Impact...... 3 serves as a constant reminder of his lifetime commitment Lion and Eagle Symposium...... 4 to the advocacy of universal human rights and democratic NGOs Discuss Human Rights Initiatives...... 4 principles, even in the darkest hours, and offers inspiration Conference Addresses for others to follow in his Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of Havel’s Political Importance footsteps. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons rocks his personal tribute to Havel. and Legacy...... 5 The congressional cer- Republic, Jan Hamáček, and Czech-American artist Lu-

Georgetown Celebrates emony commmmorating the the Prime Minister of the Czech bomir Janecka, who wished International Students’ Day...... 6 dedication of a bust of Vá- Republic, Bohuslav Sobotka, to “capture Havel’s clear and clav Havel was hosted by the spoke about Václav Havel’s open nature, the unwavering The Miracle Year...... 6 Speaker of the House, John legacy and the momentous firmness of his convictions, and Boehner, and joined by House 25th anniversary of the Vel- his kindness.” The official sym- Hundreds Gather for Freedom Celebration...... 7 Minority Leader Nancy Pe- vet Revolution. Former First bols of the Czech Republic, the losi and highest Czech rep- Lady of the Czech Republic, coat of arms and the two tailed Booksigning - “Havel: A Life”..... 7 resentatives in the Capitol’s Dagmar Havlová, was present. Czech lion, are symbolically Statutory Hall on Novem- True to Havel’s personality, found on the pedestal. Artist Statement on the Václav Havel Bust...... 8 ber 19, 2014. Speaker of ZZ Tops’ Billy Gibbons rocked Three small stones from the Chamber of Deputies of out a few tunes in his memory. the Czech Republic have also the Parliament of the Czech The bust was sculpted by Continued on pg. 2 Ambassador / Delegation Czech Delegation Visits Washington

Ambassador’s Message

The weeklong commemorations cele- brating freedom and saluting the legacy of President Václav Havel were, for all Czech people and me personally, unforgettable. To mark 25 years of de- mocracy with three thousand people at the Washington National Cathedral to the sounds of the greatest Czech Ambassador classical masterpieces played by the Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of Gandalovič Czech Philharmonic and then to have a Ambassador Petr Gandalovič hosts a meeting with high-ranking Czech and US representatives at his residence in Washington, DC. bust of VáclavHavel placed in the United States Capitol before the US House leadership and highest Czech representatives was unquestionably historic. Czech and Americans came together in unity to celebrate their strong belief in the same democratic value system.

Petr Gandalovič Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of US Vice President Joe Biden meets with Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Jan Hamáček, and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Bohuslav Sobotka. Havel’s Bust Unveiled at US Capitol Continued from pg. 1 been embedded into the granite. fourth foreign leader to be The semiprecious stone Agate, represented in the United which comes from the region of States Capitol building. The Český ráj (Czech Paradise), was distinction was unanimously used to decorate the walls of the approved by the House of Rep- Chapel of Saint Wenceslas in resentatives (H. Res. 506) in the Saint Vitus Cathedral at the the spring of 2014. Prague Castle, the seat of the The resolution itself Czech presidency. Vltavin or reflects upon the legendary ad- moldavite is a gemstone that can dress that Vaclav Havel deliv- be found almost exclusively in ered on February 21, 1990, be- Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of the watershed of the Vltava fore a Joint Session of Congress Speaker Jan Hamáček talks with the US Speaker of the House, John Boehner River. Václav Havel resided in and his legacy that “inspires a house on its bank in Prague. those that advocate and work The third small stone is an or- for freedom from tyranny.” dinary rock from the garden of Through the resolution Václav Havel’s summer house Václav Havel is remembered in the village of Hrádeček. He as “one of the world’s great spent a lot of time in this mod- democratic leaders …(who) est house throughout his life was awarded many interna- and died there as well. tional prizes recognizing his American Friends of the commitment to peace and dem- Czech Republic and the Václav ocratic principles,” including Havel Library Foundation fi- the Presidential Medal of Free- nanced the creation. dom from President George W. This was a historic honor Bush for being “one of liberty’s Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of as President Havel is only the great heroes.” Speaker Jan Hamáček meets with US House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi 2 Czech the News / Special Edition Czech Philharmonic Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of Washington National Cathedral Czech Philharmonic Attracts Thousands for Memorable Concert n November 17, Prime Minister of the Czech O2014, the world renowned Republic, , Czech Philharmonic, under the former US Secretary of State; direction of Maestro Jiří Pavol Demeš, former Slo- Bělohlávek, performed an vak Minister of International extraordinary concert at the Relations; US Congressman Washington National Cathedral Ed Royce, and Pavel Fischer, Photo courtesy of František Gebr before 3,000 people, coming Chairman of the Board of the Speaker Jan Hamáček from all corners of the United Prague Freedom Foundation.

Photo courtesy of František Gebr States and the Czech Republic. High ranking dignitar- Speaker Jan Hamáček and former US Ambassador The orchestra beautifully ies, including former First Norman Eisen rendered Bedřich Smeta- Lady of the Czech Republic, na’s Vltava (The Moldau), Dagmar Havlová, came togeth- from the symphonic poem er at the concert to remember Má vlast (My Country), and celebrate that momentous and Antonín Dvořák’s date of 1989, when the streets Photo courtesy of František Gebr Symphony No. 9 in E mi- in Prague were filled with an Former US Secretary Madeleine Albright nor, Op. 95, “From the atmosphere of conviction and New World.” hope. The courageous students Opening remarks had then seized the moment were presented by: Jan and dissident and visionary Hamáček, Speaker of Václav Havel led the

the Chamber of Depu- velvet transformation of the

Prime Minister Sobotka, ties of the Parlia- Czechoslovak society and Photo courtesy of František Gebr František of courtesy Photo Secretary Madeleine Albright, and Speaker Jan Hamáček ment of the Czech political system. Photo courtesy of František Gebr Republic; Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka

Gala Dinner Honors Havel’s Global Impact he Václav Havel Library Foundation, in collaboration with the American Friends of the TCzech Republic, hosted a gala dinner to honor and extend Václav Havel’s global legacy of human rights and civil society at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright moderated an elaborate program before 400 guests, who included US Senators and Congressmen as well as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Jan Hamáček, and Prime Photo courtesy of Aleš Petruška Photo courtesy of Minister of the Czech Republic, Bohuslav Sobotka. Ambassador Gandalovič and his wife Pavlína Gandalovičová Dramatic readings of works by Václav Havel were read by: Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Court of St. James´s, Michael Žantovský; former Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the US and current President of the Václav Havel Library, Martin Palouš; late Václav Havel’s brother Ivan Havel; Miss World 2006, Taťána Kuchařová; Antonieta Lopez and Lilian Tintoriov (the mother and wife of Venezuela politician Leopoldo Lopez who was arrested for organizing protests against the government in Caracas); Azar Nafisi (the author of the book Reading Lolita in Tehran); and Rosa Maria Payá (Cuban political activist Oswaldo Payá’s daughter, who continues in her father’s fight for freedom).

Czech the News / Special Edition 3 Lion and Eagle / NED Photo courtesy of František Gebr Former US Ambassador William Cabaniss, former US Ambassador Richard Graber, former Czech Ambassador Petr Kolář, former US Ambassador , current US Ambassador Andrew Schapiro, former US Ambassador Craig Stapleton, former Czech Ambassador Alexandr Vondra

Lion and Eagle Symposium ormer and current Czech Council in cooperation with Facing Central and Fand US statesmen sat the Embassy of the Czech Eastern Europe Today down for a frank discussion Republic. Jan Hamáček, was moderated by about the unfinished business Speaker of the Chamber of the President of the of transformation in Central Deputies of the Parliament American Council Europe and beyond, the current of the Czech Republic, on Germany, William state of Czech-American delivered the keynote address. Drozdiak, and joined relations, as well as the As a sequel to Prague’s by Ambassadors Photo courtesy of František Gebr reiteration of the principles 2011 Lion and Eagle William J. Cabaniss, Speaker Jan Hamáček which transatlantic security Symposium, two panels Richard W. Graber, and cooperation have been offered unique perspectives, Petr Kolář, William former President of Radio built upon, on November 18, coinciding with the twenty- Luers, Andrew H. Schapiro, Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2014. fifth anniversary of the Velvet Craig Roberts Stapleton, and Kevin Klose, and joined This Lion and Eagle Revolution, and the fifteenth Alexandr Vondra. by Ambassadors Adrian A. Symposium: Geopolitical and anniversary of the Czech The second panel on the Basora, Norman L. Eisen, Economic Challenges through Republic’s accession into Future of the Transatlantic Martin Palouš, , the Eyes of Czech and American NATO. The first panel on Bond and Czech-American Jenonne R. Walker, and Envoys was held at the Atlantic Strategic Security Challenges Relations was moderated by Michael Žantovský.

NGOs Discuss Human Rights Initiatives he National Endowment the situation in Ukraine and Tfor Democracy, in collabo- the power of the powerless, ration with the Embassy of the a conversation also joined Czech Republic, held a discus- by former US Secretary sion on the Twenty-five Years of State Madeleine Albright. of Freedom: The Continuing Distinguished panelists, Struggle for Europe Whole including representatives from and Free on November 20, People in Need, Forum 2000, Photo courtesy of NED 2014. and the Václav Havel Li- Jacques Rupnik, Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques; Jackson Diehl, The Washington Post; Moderator: Christopher Walker, International Chairman of the For- brary, further discussed the Forum for Democratic Studies; Leon Wieseltier, The New Republic; Nadia Diuk, eign Affairs Committee of the common commitment to National Endowment for Democracy; Martin Palouš, Václav Havel Library House of Deputies of the the future of democracy Cuban human rights ac- View the discussion online at: http:// Parliament of the Czech in Europe and the role of tivist Rosa María Payá also www.ned.org/events/25-years-after- the-velvet-revolution-the-continuing- Republic, Karel Schwarzen- NGOs in aiding democracy participated in the event, pre- struggle-for-a-europe-whole-and-free berg, offered his remarks on across borders. senting her view on Cuba.

4 Czech the News / Special Edition Conference Conference Addresses Havel’s Political Importance and Legacy enator John McCain, for- Smer US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, non-prof- its and universities partici- pated in the conference Václav Havel’s Legacy Today hosted by The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress on November 19, in collabora- tion with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and Florida International University (FIU). The conference focused on the changing political dynamics in Photo courtesy of Miroslav Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav Europe and beyond, and the Ambassador Michael Žantovský, Secretary Albright, and Senator McCain answer questions from the audience. lasting impact of Havel’s leg- acy in modern times. “President Havel maintained Over 400 attendees that politics is about values, filtered into the Coolidge starting with moral values. Auditorium on the crisp autumn The primary guardians of morning, including former these values are not states or political organizations but Czech and US Ambassadors, free individuals endowed with diplomats, scholars, and stu- a sense of responsibility.” dents. A collection of Dvořák’s ~ Michael Žantovský infamous music played as

guests made their way to their maker Petr Jančárek. Guests Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav NED President Carl Gershman, former Czech Ambassador Martin Palouš, seats and reminisced over were also treated to a video FIU President Mark Rosenberg, Professor Jan Švejnar, black and white photographs message from former US Professor Jacques Rupnik, and VHL Chairman Jan Macháček of Václav Havel as a dissi- President George W. Bush, dent, president and citizen where he offered congratulato- US’ growing concerns over by Oldřich Škácha, projected ry remarks for the 25th anniver- Russia. Secretary Albright also onto a large screen. sary of the Velvet Revolution. spoke of the continuing need Director Jan McAuliffe of President Bush called Havel a for Radio Free Europe and the Kluge Center opened the friend and stated: “As democ- asked Senator McCain to help conference, followed by a short racy pushes into every support it. Between panels, a video montage reflecting on the corner of the world, it does so video excerpt from Václav

life of Václav Havel, directed on the back of Václav Havel’s Havel’s Speech, “The Emperor Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav by Czech documentary film- strong example of intellectual Has No Clothes” (May 24, 2005) Ivan Havel Brother of the late Czech President integrity and his refusal to be was shown. intimidated by tyranny.” Former Ambassador of the Columbia University. Czech Minister of Cul- Czech Republic to the United The conference concluded ture, , and the States, Martin Palouš, moder- with a short film Havel Forever late Czech president’s broth- ated the second panel focused (Oct. 12, 2014), which featured er, Ivan Havel, spoke briefly on researching, revisiting, and a flash mob in support of pris- at the event offering their reaffirming Václav Havel’s oners of conscience. own insight into the life of legacy. Panelists included Carl In connection to the the extraordinary statesman. Gershman, President of the conference, the European Photo courtesy of Miroslav Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav Jane McAuliffe Czech Ambassador to National Endowment for Division at the Library of Director of the Kluge Center the Court of Saint James’s, Democracy; Jan Macháček, Congress organized a display Michael Žantovský, moderated Chairman of the Board of of works from its collection on the first panel centering on the Trustees at the Václav Havel former President of the Czech political importance of Václav Library; Mark Rosenberg, Republic, Václav Havel. The Havel, featuring distinguished President of Florida Inter- display included photographs, panelists Madeleine Albright national University; Jacques letters, plays, books, autobiog- and John McCain. The dy- Rupnik, Professor at Fondation raphies and biographies. namic discussion between the Nationale des Sciences Poli- The event was a prelude two powerful political leaders tiques; Jan Švejnar, Profes- to the afternoon dedication of Photo courtesy of Miroslav Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav Daniel Herman strayed to the current situation sor of International Rela- Václav Havel’s bust at the U.S. Minister of Culture in the Ukraine, as well as the tions and Public Affairs at Capitol. Czech the News / Special Edition 5 Int’l Students’s Day / 1989 Georgetown Celebrates International Students’ Day n November 17, 1989, stu- Shiloh Krupar announced Odents in Prague marched Christina Ling as the win- to commemorate International ner of the essay competition Student’s Day. The day marked Dreaming of a Better World: events from 1939 during which Inspirations from Prague on a funeral procession for a November 17, 2014, during a fatally wounded student turned ceremony in commemoration into an anti-Nazi protest in of International occupied Prague. Students’ Day. Remembering those events The essay com- fifty years later, student lead- petition was or- ers in 1989 organized a mass ganized in col- laboration with student gathering. After the Pohl Andrea Photo courtesy of police brutally attacked them, the Embassy of Georgetown students congratulate the Czech Re- Christina Ling on her essay. hundreds of thou- “Globalization as a whole sands from all has led to many conflicts public. dents who participated in corners of Czecho- in recent times, but I The event the essay competition. slovakia joined to believe that the pathway was initially Georgetown students and protest the ruling to solving these conflicts scheduled to Professor Roth, Director of is educating people take place at Theatre and Performance communist re- worldwide about the gime in what is importance of embracing Václav Havel’s Studies, tied a large rib- known as the culture and individuality.” Place in the bon at the site in re- Velvet Revolution. ~ Christina Ling Alumni Square, membrance. In recogni- where 25 keys As rain gently fell, tion of the milestone anniver- hung from the branches of the they distributed daisies, Alumni SquareVáclav - Havel’sGeorgetown Place University saries, Georgetown University linden tree along with 25 hearts a symbol of peace, in professors Maya Roth and featuring 25 phrases from stu- front of Hearst Hall Photo courtesy of Andrea Pohl and led the way to the Da- vis Performing Arts Center, rang their keys in solidarity. where the award ceremony During the ceremony, stu- The Year of Miracles took place. Czech flags and dents recited passages phrases from students partici- from Havel’s work. n 1989, courageous citizens across Central and Eastern pating in the essay competi- Chairman of the For- IEurope pushed to end communist rule, taking tion adorned the walls. In the eign Relations Committee of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms further background, a recording of the Parliament of the Czech than he ever planned. Poland’s Solidarity brought the Marta’s Prayer, a tribute to Republic, Karel Schwarzen- opposition to power while a reformist government the Velvet Revolution sung by berg, reflected on his own in Hungary opened its border with Austria. Marta Kubišová, played. experience during the Vel- As peaceful citizens took to the streets in East Keys jingled from the vet Revolution and under Germany, the Berlin Wall fell, and in Czechoslovakia a hands of Georgetown students totalitarian regimes. He pre- transition to democracy saw the dissident Václav Havel as they said, “Už je to tady,” sented Christina Ling with a elected president. (It is here) to signal the start of free trip to Prague, comple- the ceremony. That same phrase ments of the Czech Embassy, To remember the events twenty five years later on was used during the Velvet Czech Tourism, and Fusion November 17, 2014, the Institute for European, Revolution, where thousands Hotel Prague. Russian, and Eurasian Studies at George Washington University held a panel discussion on Who ToreDown Excerpts from Essay Competition the Iron Curtain and Why?, moderated by Hope M. Harrison, Associate Professor of History and International “One of the principles of democracy is the understanding that every person Affairs among former dissidents and eyewitnesses. contains a precious, individual will that ought to be respected despite any outward differences.” The panelists, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic ~ Elizabeth Biener Daniel Herman, German diplomat Toralf Pilz, Hungarian “…if we view the enemy only as perpetrators Ambassador Gyorgy Szapáry, civil activist and former of unfounded violence, then how could we Slovak Minister of International Relations Pavol Demeš, ever find a peaceful resolution?”

and Polish activist of the Fighting Solidarity movement ~ Rebecca Kuang Photo courtesy of Andrea Pohl Andrea of courtesy Photo Maria Koziebrodzka, discussed the fall of the BerlinWall “To affect change usually requires both individual and the Iron Curtain. and collective action.” ~ Zoey Krulick 6 Czech the News / Special Edition Freedom Celebration / Booksigning Hundreds Gather for Freedom Celebration n November 19, 2014, Oover 600 guests gathered at the Embassy of the Czech Republic to remember and celebrate the Velvet Revolu-

tion and the events that led Photo courtesy of František Gebr Ambassador Petr Gandalovič up to it twenty-five years ago. Many of the guests had the privilege to be present at the unveiling of the bust of Vá- clav Havel in the United States Capitol just hours earlier and,

hence, shared the exhilaration Photo courtesy of František Gebr of the extremely significant AFoCR Chairman Fred Malek Photo courtesy of František Gebr ceremony with others. The Speaker Jan Hamáček, AFoCR Fred Malek, former US Secretary of State Madeleine sounds of the Czech and US Albright, Ambassador Petr Gandalovič, and Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka national anthems sent shivers welcomed his guests and enjoyed a performance by up visitors’ spines as they all gave the floor to Speaker of Czech-American musician and stood proud for the brave men the Chamber of Deputies of director of the Bohemian and women who fought for the the Parliament of the Czech Jazz Festival Rudy Linka as Photo courtesy of František Gebr same causes, freedom and de- Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka Republic, Jan Hamáček, and well as Czech “pub” style mocracy. Prime Minister of the Czech dishes, a favorite of Presi- Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Bohuslav Sobotka, dent Václav Havel. Republic Petr Gandalovič for inspirational addresses. Guests had the Former US Secretary Mad- opportunity to view the eleine Albright and Chair- exhibition The Wall by man of the American Petr Sís, which featured Friends of the Czech Re- the author’s original draw- public Fred Malek offered ings and photographs, as their memories and input well as authentic items for the future as well. from the 1950s to 80s. Lastly, the embassy Additionally, black and thanked all sponsors white photographs by for their generous sup- Oldřich Škácha pro- Speaker Jan Hamaček port. For the rest of vided more context

the evening, the crowd on the life of Václav Havel. Photo courtesy of František Gebr

Photo courtesy of František Gebr František of courtesy Photo Former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright

BOOKSIGNING Havel: A Life

olitics and Prose Bookstore packed a full house to share an Pevening with Czech Ambassador to the Court to Saint James’s, Michael Žantovský, talking about his new book Havel: A Life in con- versation with former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on November 21, 2014.

The book is a definitive biography of Václav Havel—writer, dissident and Czech president—mapping his journeys from being a playwright to becoming a national leader and world proponent of democracy, recount- ed by his former press secretary and lifelong friend. With unprecedented access to private correspondence, documents, and interviews, author

Michael Žantovský presents a powerful, engaging, and revelatory Photo courtesy of Pavla Veličkinová account of a giant among men. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Ambassador Michael Žantovský For the complete conversation that took place at Politics and Prose, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD8ZLzrXR1M.

Czech the News / Special Edition 7 The Václav Havel Bust

The Václav Havel Bust Artist Statement - Lubomir Janecka

started working on the portrait of Václav Havel in the summer 2012. As I was I reading his books and plays and going through hundreds of his photographs, I became interested in him not only as a politician but as a human being. I searched how to best express his personality, and in that process, I created several portraits, each from a dif- ferent stage of his life. I covered the years of his youth spent in dissent, the time when he was re- peatedly imprisoned, the Velvet Revolution, his presidency, as well as the last yeas of his life when he was fighting a serious illness.

I ended up with nine sketches in clay and plaster. All of them had the potential to be fully de- veloped and become legitimate portraits of this extraordinary man, but I had to pick one. I chose the portrait from the time shortly after the Velvet Revolution. While working on its ver- Photo courtesy of Miroslav Mrákota Photo courtesy of Miroslav sion for the Capitol, I realized that this was also the time when Václav Havel came to Wash- ington, DC, to give a speech to the U.S. Congress. I called the portrait Vaclav Havel Victorious, and I hope that this is how the American people remember him: full of life and full of hope – for his country and for the world.

Modeling of Havel’s bust is expressive. My goal was to capture his clear and open nature, the unwavering firmness of his convictions, and his kindness to people. The bust is cast in bronze and gilded with gold. I finished it with some pa- tina applied over the gold. The whole bust should evoke an image of a nugget of gold.

The pedestal is made of magpie granite from Canada. When I was working on it, I used very little polishing. My approach to the carving of the pedestal needed to corre- spond with my approach to the modeling of the portrait. On the surface of the pedestal, I did not suppress the chisel marks completely because I wanted to preserve a certain dra- ma of the stone’s surface. The bust and pedestal together form a monolithic object. My goal was to create a sculpture that gives an impression of a living (not a static) artifact.

The bronze and the gold of the letters, Czech lion, and Czech coat of arms echo the bronze and the gold of the bust. The Czech lion on the left side of the pedestal refers to the history The Václav Havel Bust in the of the Czech statehood. The double – tailed lion appears as a symbol of the Czech ruling Freedom Foyer of the US Capitol dynasty already in the 13th century.

The coat of arms on the front of the pedestal is the current official symbol of the Czech Republic, which displays the Czech lion, Moravian Eagle, and Silesian eagle—symbols of the three historical regions of Czech lands.

CZECH the NEWSNEWS Newsletter of the Embassy of the Czech Republic Embassy of the Czech Republic 3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel.: (202) 274–9100 Fax: (202) 966–8540 www.mzv.cz/washington

8 Czech the News / Special Edition