CZECH the NEWSNEWS Newsletter of the Embassy of the Vol. 3, 2008 Ambassador Opens Historical Exhibit n August 21, 2008, the those heady days—from a Soviet O40th anniversary of the tank destroying a Czech building 1968 Soviet-led invasion of and the funeral of Jan Palach, , Ambassador who killed himself in protest Petr Kolar officially of the invasion, to opened the black and illegal protesters in white photography Wenceslas Square exhibit 68/89 at the and the moment when Woodrow Wilson Czechoslovak leaders Center in Washington, Vaclav Havel and DC. 68/89 showcases Alexander Dubcek

60 photos that capture heard on the radio Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko the political events Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko that the Communist Ambassador Petr Kolar opens the 68/89 exhibition at the of the 1968 Ambassador Petr Kolar Party politburo had Woodrow Wilson Center. Spring, which ended with the resigned. that human freedoms, including of the Year. The exhibit remains tightening of communist control In his speech at the exhibit democracy, are fragile and can at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Czechoslovakia, and the opening, Ambassador Kolar be lost easily and quickly. until October 9 when it will move subsequent noted that the 1968 Soviet-led The 60 photos in the 68/89 to the Embassy of the Czech of 1989, which swept away invasion of Czechoslovakia exhibit are the work of over 30 Republic, where it will remain communism and ushered in brought an end to the notion award-winning photographers on display for the duration of democracy to modern Czech that it was possible to create whose honors include World October 2008. For more exhibit society. The photos capture “socialism with a human face” Press Photo Awards, Czech Press information please visit www. unforgettable moments during and said that instead it proved Photo Awards, and Photographer mzv.cz/washington. Contents: Message from the Ambassador...... 2

Havel is Top Intellectual...... 2

GE & Czechs Celebrate Partnership...... 3

Czech-U.S. Medical Research Project...... 3

Daughter of the Enemy...... 4

Czech Military Hero General Hasal....6

Brussels Honors Czech Projects...... 6

Czech Reporter Wins Emmy...... 6

LOC Receives Czech Books...... 7 Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko American Composer Records Mrs. Alice Masters (center) and students from the CD in Prague...... 7 Winton Film Sequel British School of Washington Embassy Commemorates Czech zech and Slovak film filmed at the British School of Historical Anniversaries...... 8 Washington, where over 100 . Cdirector Matej Minac, whose Touching Sensitive Moments in documentary film The Power of students assembled to see The History Through Film...... 8 Good tells the story of the young Power of Good and to speak

Director Discovers Hidden Englishman Nicholas Winton with Alice Masters, one of the Secrets...... 9 who saved 669 Czechoslovak children Winton saved. After

Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Koudelka’s Invasion 68 Prague...... 10 refugee children during the the screening and discussion, run-up to World War II, was in students participated in one-on- Borek to Open Wide Asleep...... 10 Washington in September to film one interaction with Mr. Minac Czech Artist Jiri Anderle...... 10 parts of his sequel documentary, and Mrs. Masters, discussing Nicky’s Family. The sequel how the story of Winton moved Folk Legend Brings Music to DC...... 11 will chronicle how the story of and inspired them. Minac Czech Christmas Concert...... 11 Nicholas Winton and his heroic also interviewed Ambassador Petr Kolar who has been a Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Worthwhile Reading...... 11 acts have inspired younger Mrs. Masters shared with students generations to do good in their strong supporter of the Winton artefacts from her escape just Czech Government Aids Flooded own communities. Educational Project, a U.S.- Museum...... 12 before World War II, including While in Washington, Minac Continued on page 2 her dress. Embassy Reconstruction...... 12 Current Events

My Dear Friends, I would like to thank all those who have expressed their condolences regarding the tragic and early death of our Ambassador to Pakistan Ivo Zdarek, who was killed in the terrorist bombing of the Hotel Marriot in Islamabad on September 20, 2008. Ambassador Zdarek, 47, a career Photo courtesy of Chad Wyatt diplomat, served his country and the international community fulfilling his duties with courage even in the midst of crisis. He was dedicated to improving relations among all nations, and died in pursuit of that goal. The tragic death of Ambassador Zdarek will not stop the Czech

Republic from our commitment to ending terrorism in all its forms Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Director Matej Minac interviews Petr Kolar for the Winton film sequel. and to promoting the values of democratic societies. The message of this latest terrorist attack is clear: in 2008, the need for vigilance (continued) and united international resistance to all forms of terrorist attacks Winton Film Sequel against innocent people is stronger than ever. Continued from page 1 Czechs in particular are intensely aware of the dangers based movement to teach students threatening our freedom, values, and civilization as we mark the about Nicholas Winton’s heroic anniversaries of several political changes that took place in years story. ending with the number eight and that altered the course of our During his shooting history, often with deadly and traumatic effects. During fall 2008, schedule in the United States the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC, will Mr. Minac also conducted an sponsor a series of events designed to remind us of the momentous interview with prominent U.S. historical occurrences that shaped Czech history from the hopeful scientist Mr. Ben Abeles, another 1918 founding of the First Czechoslovak Republic to the 1968 “Winton child” who lives in Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, punctuated in between by New Jersey. Moravian College the 1938 Munich Agreement which broke up our democracy and in Pennsylvania held a screening

gave control of it to Hitler’s Germany, and the 1948 communist of The Power of Good, followed Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko coup that imposed 40 years of Soviet-bloc oppression on the by a panel discussion with Matej Ambassador Petr Kolar and Czech lands. Minac; Hannah Slome and Mrs. Alice Masters This year we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the George Korper, two more of the Moravian College Choir who founding of the Czech Republic, a free and democratic country, surviving Winton children; and performed in honor of Nicholas a reliable ally of the United States of America in NATO, and an Peter Rafaeli, Honorary Consul Winton. Minac wrapped up his ambitious member of the European Union (EU), just preparing to General of the Czech Republic U.S. filming with a group of high assume the EU presidency in January 2009. in Philadelphia and President of school students in Pennsylvania In 2008, we are also marking the 50th anniversary of SVU, American Friends of the Czech who have been volunteering the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences, a society formed Republic (AFoCR). College for the Red Cross since being in Washington, DC during the communist dictatorship in Czecho- President Christopher Thomforde inspired by the story of Winton’s by people who fled their home and found a new one in moderated the discussion. While humanitarianism. freedom and democracy in the United States. at Moravian, Minac also filmed Nicky’s Family is slated for In short, 2008 is an important year, rich with historical context, a performance of the 80-voice release in September 2009. and one in which we Czechs cannot help but remember and spread the lessons learned from the past. We believe that our history serves as a textbook example to all good people who wish to prevent the Havel Among World’s Top tragic and fatal mistakes that the community of democratic nations made in the course of the 20th century. I invite you to participate in 100 Intellectuals all the events we have planned to mark these pivotal anniversaries (for a full listing please go to pages 8–11). he U.S. political journal Foreign In order to accommodate the many guests we will host during TPolicy (FP) has included former the EU presidency in 2009, the Embassy underwent renovations Czech president Vaclav Havel on their over the summer. The new space will debut to the public in October list of the 100 top intellectuals whose 2008, and I invite you to come see our new look. ideas have most influenced current The 2008–2009 season promises to be dynamic, with many world development. Featuring some opportunities for our community to enjoy Czech and Czech- of the most promininet philosophers, American perspectives. Please join us in the numerous activities writers, politicians, clerics, and other that we have planned for you. leading figures from around the world, the list also gives a nod to Italian novelist Umberto Eco, American

Warmly, Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Former Czech President biologist E.O. Wilson, and British Vaclav Havel econominst Paul Collier. FP describes those on the list as the “thinkers who are shaping the tenor of our time.” All names are listed in alpabetical Petr Kolar order and can be viewed online at www.foreignpolicy.com.

2 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 Partnerships GE and Czechs Celebrate Aviation Partnership n celebration of GE Aviation’s craftmanship and high quality Irecent acquisition of certain of Czech Light Sport Aircraft assets of Walter Engines, a Czech (LSA) and other Czech aviation manufacturer of small products. Czech- turboprop engines made LSAs currently and high-precision hold 30 percent of machined parts for the U.S. market and the aviation industry, are popular in the more than 100 guests United States for attended a rooftop their high quality, An aircraft featured at AirVenture 2008 reception overlooking fuel efficiency, and the airfield at EAA overall design. AirVenture Oshkosh Acquisition of on July 28, 2008, Walter Engines will in Wisconsin. The enable GE Aviation reception was hosted to enter the fastest by GE Aviation in Photo courtesy of Jan Fridrich growing aviation cooperation with the segment—small, Embassy of the Czech Republic twin-engine turboprop aircraft. in Washington, DC. AirVenture A $28 million company, Walter is the annual fly-in convention Engines has been manufacturing of the Experimental Aircraft aircraft engines since 1923. The Association (EAA) that attracts company has produced more Photo courtesy of Jan Fridrich upward of 10,000 airplanes and than 37,000 engines and its Left to right: Vice President of Light Aircraft Association (LAA CR) Jan as many as 750,000 visitors to Walter M601 turboprop engine Fridrich, Head of the Economic Section at the Czech Embassy Martin Oshkosh every year. family has more than 1,500 Dvorak, Director for Trade of Evektov-Aerotechnik Milan Mach, In 2008, the Czech Republic engines on over 30 aircraft types. Project Manager for MLT Lukas Bartunek, CEO of Evektov-Aerotechnik Jaroslav Ruzicka, and Director of the Chicago Branch of was represented by 12 Czech In a separate interview, David Czech Invest Bohuslav Frelich aviation manufacturers and the Joyce, president and CEO of GE Light Aircraft Association of the Aviation, described the benefits growing segment. GE will help and its customer’s need for Czech Republic (LAA CR), an that the acquisition will bring to Walter with investment funding simple, straightforward design.” association of pilots, builders, both companies, “Walter’s deep as well as technical knowledge Additional information about designers, manufacturers, and industry experience in turboprop of materials, turbine design, Walter Engines, which employs operators of light aircraft. This applications is a complementary and 3-D aero modeling. Walter 400 people in the Czech year’s convention featured a fit with GE’s strategy to better will help GE better understand Republic, can be found at www. workshop that showcased the position GE Aviation in this the business aviation segment walterengines.com.

Czech-U.S. Medical Research Project he International Clinical TResearch Center (ICRC) in , Czech Republic, and the U.S.-based Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, will partner on one of the European Union’s largest initiatives to enhance 21st century initiative is an extension of those International Advisory biotechnology and medical efforts. Board. Dr. Kara research. The ICRC-Mayo Clinic “At this time we already describes the increased partnership, which will be based have an informal program that benefits of collaboration in the new ICRC facility in Brno, allows Czech physicians and between the Czech will focus on medical research engineers to train in our Mayo Republic and the United and education, particularly lab,” says Dr. Virend Somers, States, “The logistics in the areas of cardiovascular Mayo Clinic cardiologist and of the ICRC and the and neurovascular diseases, professor of medicine, “We look basic principles are very internal medicine, neurology, forward to broader and even more similar to those used at and oncology. The center will productive cooperation with our the International Space Photo courtesy of Mayo Clinic offer advanced clinical research colleagues in Brno.” Station. This approach will result The future ICRC facility in Brno where Mayo Clinic and Czech facilities, a state-of-the-art The framework for the ICRC in the research process being researchers will join forces. cardiovascular clinical center, was developed and refined at the shortened by as much as 50 international educational center, Mayo Clinic by Dr. Somers and percent compared with existing heart failure at Brno’s St. Anna and a technology cluster. Czech doctor Tomas Kara, who research facilities.” Faculty Hospital, home to the Researchers at the ICRC trained at the Mayo Clinic with Medical research of the joint first five labs that will comprise Brno have extensive experience Dr. Somers and now heads the Czech-U.S collaboration, which the ICRC. The full ICRC facility collaborating with the Mayo ICRC Brno project. Together begins in November 2008, will will be completed within 2 Clinic and both sides see this they will chair the ICRC’s initially focus on treatments for years.

Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 3 Jana Svehlova

Daughter of the Enemy hen Dr. Jana Svehlova, born Jana WRoubikova, was a little girl growing up in Czechoslovakia, her proud father, Jan Roubik, used to stand her up on the kitchen table and have her sing political songs to his friends. “My dad spoiled me,” she recalls, “Each day when he returned from work, he brought me a gift—a pencil, an eraser, or pages of writing paper. Even when I misbehaved, he would say, ‘Isn’t she sweet?’ His friends had no

Photo courtesy of Jana Svehlova Jana of courtesy Photo choice but to listen to me, the spoiled brat.” Jana Svehlova with her mother Photo courtesy of Jana Svehlova Jana Svehlova with her father Jan Roubik circa 1945 Jana, an only child, wouldn’t be spoiled for long. In 1949, three days after her sixth birthday, her father was arrested by the Czechoslovak communist regime, subjected to a kangaroo court spectacle—the show trials associated with the Stalinist era—and sentenced to 10 years in prison for treason. “In his case, treason in the Czech communist dictionary meant fighting with the British Royal Air Force against the Nazis during the second World War,” Svehlova says. Jana Svehlova and her mother Lola Roubikova during Jana’s childhood Photo courtesy of Jana Svehlova The arrest and incarceration formed Daughters of the Enemy, child in his beloved homeland. of Jana’s father immediately basic goods. Communist control a Czech nongovernmental “For 4 years, we lived as any rendered her a “daughter of the began slipping, prompting the organization (NGO) that collects middle class Czech family enemy of the state,” a label that party to provoke a political crisis. and publicizes the experiences in a democratic country that would alter her childhood in In February 1948 the country’s of these “daughters” and allows was recovering from the war,” numerous unpleasant ways, not democratic leader, President them to connect with and support Svehlova recalls, “Dad went to the least of which was the loss of Eduard Benes, resigned and each other. his office in the morning; Mom her right to a higher education. the communist takeover was The circuitous journey that stayed home and took care of It would take immigration complete. Svehlova describes the led Jana to become a daughter me.” Jana’s intellectual father and 4 decades to reclaim that effects, “With the Communist of the enemy of the state and also spent time discussing politics education, which culminated in Party as the sole ruler of the eventually a champion of healing and social justice with his friends Svehlova eventually earning a country, the regime changed the generational wounds of in the Prague cafes. But the post- Ph.D. in Human Sciences with from a democratic way of life to Stalinism began when word war years in Czechoslovakia a concentration in Political a system of terror with arbitrary of the treatment of Jews in proved to be difficult. Dr. Psychology from George arrests.” Hitler’s Germany first arrived Svehlova recounts the chain of Washington University in For Jana and her mother, in Czechoslovakia. An uncle political events, Washington, DC. While writing Roubik’s imprisonment meant of Jana’s father, who had a and researching her dissertation their middle class comforts daughter, sensed that the same “The memory of the West titled “The Enemy’s Daughter: were immediately a thing of the brand of anti-Semitism might ‘selling’ Czechoslovakia The Psychological Effects of past. The police moved in to soon spread to Czechoslovakia, to Hitler at the Munich Stalinism on Female Children evict them from their apartment, and, in 1939, ordered Jana’s Agreement in 1939, the of Political Prisoners” she met but apparently believed Jana’s father to escort his cousin out of Russian tanks liberating dozens of other women who, just mother when she threatened to the country to safety. Traveling Prague in 1945, and like her, had lost their childhoods kill herself and her daughter if through Slovakia, Hungary, the promises of the and their futures to the political she was forced to leave. The and Yugoslavia, Roubik made Czechoslovak Communist imprisonment of a parent in authorities relented and instead it to Palestine where the British Party to nationalize communist Czechoslovakia. moved another family into the armed forces were recruiting private enterprise and With upward of 250,000 political small flat with the Roubiks. Jana European refugees. He enlisted organize a land reform prisoners incarcerated during the and her mother were relegated to in the Royal Air Force and went won the communists 38 communist era in her homeland the tiny kitchen and living room. to England. It was there during percent of the vote during Svehlova realized that there must The loss of her father also meant World War II that he met another the first free elections in have been thousands of daughters the loss of his income and Jana’s Czech refugee, Lola, fell in love 1946.” whose lives also were upturned mother took a job in a bakery to and married her, and then had by being labeled a daughter of support herself and her daughter. Jana. But by 1948 the populace had the enemy of the state, yet she Other hardships awaited As soon as the war ended, started blaming the communists was struck by the silence that Jana. With much of her family Roubik, an attorney, brought (then the dominant political surrounded their fate. As a result killed in concentration camps his young family back to Prague faction) for the shortages of of her work, many of these women during World War II and the where he planned to raise his Czech the News/ Vol. 3, 2008 Jana Svehlova remaining survivors having immigrated mostly to England, Jana was often alone as a girl. She remembers the sadness she felt watching the neighbor children being packed off to country cottages to spend summer vacations with their grandmothers, and even envied the children photographed for propagandist reasons in the arms of Josef Stalin. In perhaps a poignant homage to her father, who used to stand her up to sing political songs, Dr. Svehlova recounts an incident where the loss of her real father and the introduction of his Photo courtesy of Jana Svehlova state-instituted replacement, Jana Svehlova lecturing at the University of Hradec Kralove in April 2005 Josef Stalin, reveals itself. in the operating room of a local Mrs. Svobodova, our first hospital where, she says, she grade teacher, told us that Josef “had to wash the blood from the Visarionovich Djugasvilli was walls and floors because it would Stalin’s real name. He changed dry up by morning.” After 2 it to Stalin because that name years of working as a nurses’ aid meant ‘steel.’ Stalin was not and with aspirations to become Russian; he was from Soviet a pediatrician, Jana met with the Georgia. His favorite song was hospital’s committee to request Sulika from his native Georgia; it that she be allowed to attend high has a sweet melancholic melody. school. She remembers, One day, when I was home alone from school in bed with a sore “The committee throat, keeping warm with a thick was made up of male physicians, all members quilt, I heard Stalin’s much loved Photo courtesy of Jana Svehlova Sulika. With the first note coming of the Communist Party. Jana Svehlova and a Czech film crew shooting the “Daughters” project from the radio, I jumped out of Some of them I knew state security, “I certainly was not her experiences that will include bed, took my neck compresses from the operating room. a brain drain on the nation, not the stories of some of her fellow off, and stood at attention while They did not grant me with the few years of education “daughters.” In October 2008, the singer sang Sulika with a sad permission to continue my the authorities had permitted me Dr. Svehlova will participate in sounding tenderness. Nobody education. Their refusal to have.” She left Czechoslovakia a historical conference co-orga- ever taught me to stand at was probably due to my with only enough clothes for nized by the Czech Embassy and attention to that folk song; but I failure to answer the a reasonable holiday stay but George Washington University did. With nobody around, I was question, ‘If you become remained in England. In the years that analyzes the highlights and saluting my temporary father a pediatrician, would you that followed, she married and low points of Czech 20th century figure Josef Stalin. take care of capitalist immigrated to the United States political history (see page 8 for At the end of her middle children?’ I did not know where she became a clinician conference details). This sum- school years, Jana, an excellent the proper response. working in gynecology for mer the European Commission student, was told by the school’s There probably was no the National Naval chose an audio/vi- principal that she would not be response that would have Medical Center in sual project based allowed to attend high school, been acceptable. Absurd Bethesda, Maryland. on the work of and ordered her to contact the as it may seem, the She also earned Svehlova’s NGO department of labor to find a job. correct answer may have her high school as a recipient of a Dr. Svehlova remembers, “At been, ‘No, I would never equivalency diploma, Golden Star award. that time, my mom was in the treat a capitalist child.’ I bachelors and masters The project, which hospital with stomach ulcers. I will never know.” degrees, and finally a recorded inter- went to visit her, told her what Ph.D. views with dozens had happened, and was surprised What she did know was Since retiring of the “Enemy’s how upset she was. I did not think that it was time to leave. Under from the Naval Medi- Daughters,” was it was such bad news because I the pretense of visiting relatives cal Center in 2005 Dr. shot by a Czech was going to earn some money. in England, Svehlova had Svehlova has devoted film crew. The been applying repeatedly for I would not have to worry that herself to helping Photo courtesy of Midge Cooke Golden Star rec- every time I asked her for new permission to travel. Suddenly tell the stories of the Jana Svehlova earns ognizes outstand- her Ph.D. shoes, I would hear, ‘You know after nine declined requests and children of Stalinism, ing contributions we don’t have any money.’” Jana 2 years before the Soviet-led which she believes is helping to to civic society and will be con- reported to the Tesla television invasion of Czechoslovakia, she heal their long-ignored psycho- ferred in Brussels in November factory where she was trained to was granted a passport. Svehlova logical wounds, and she lectures 2008. For more information on solder parts. After a year, a friend muses that with her lowly status frequently in the United States Dr. Svehlova and her work go to of her mother’s found her a better the authorities did not see her and Europe on the subject. She www.enemysdaughters.com. job working day and night shifts vacation as a potential threat to also is completing a book about Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 5 Honored Czechs

Czech Military Hero General Hasal Brussels Honors Czech Projects t a ceremony held at the With Golden Stars residence of Ambassador A Petr Kolar on September 4, Dagmar White, daughter of Czech General Antonin Hasal, donated her father’s World War

II uniform to a delegation from Photo courtesy of the European Commission the Military History Institute in Prague on behalf of her family. he European Commis- Mrs. Jarka Kolarova stood in Tsion (EC) has chosen

for Ambassador Kolar who was Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko two projects from the Czech unable to attend. Lt. Col. Stehlik, Capt. Burian, Dagmar White, Republic as its 2008 Gold- Lewis White, Mrs. Kolarova, Col. Knizek en Stars recipients. Golden General Antonin Hasal was born in 1893 in the Austro-Hungarian town of Nova Stars are awarded annu- Hut pod Nizborem and attended the officer candidate school of the Austro- ally out of the EC’s Europe Hungarian Empire. After completing his required service, he joined the reserves for Citizens program and and left for Russia to live with extended family. When World War I broke out, are given to what the EC he was called to serve in the Austro-Hungarian Army but instead he volunteered describes as “shining ex- for the Czechoslovak legion in Russia and fought with them until the end of the amples of projects around war. In 1918 he became commander of the Second Rifle Regiment of “George Europe that encourage ac- of Podebrady” and returned to Czechoslovakia with the rank of Lieutenant tive civic participation in Colonel in 1920. EU issues.”

Photo courtesy of Dagmar White Dagmar of courtesy Photo The first 2008 winner General Hasal After the war he remained in the Czechoslovak Army until 1938 rising steadily to the rank of Lieutenant General. Like many Czechoslovak officers he is the Daughters of the was opposed to the Munich Agreement of 1938, and, when the Germans occupied 1950s project that, using and in 1939, he joined the underground resistance. In May 1940 students from the Prague he escaped to join the Czechoslovak Army in France. The Gestapo arrested his wife, Film Academy (FAMU), son, and daughter and interned them in Svatoborice Camp for the duration of the war, recorded interviews with leaving his youngest daughter homeless. women whose parents were political prisoners during Hasal stayed in Paris for the remainder of the war where he served Stalinism in Czechoslovakia as chief of the Czechoslovak Military Administration. After the fall (for more information see of France he joined the Czechoslovak government-in-exile and was Daughter of the Enemy on appointed chief of President Eduard Benes’ Military Chancery and page 4). his military advisor. In 1944 General Hasal became Commander of the Liberated Territories and subsequently was promoted to the rank The second winning project of General of the Army. After liberation of Czechoslovakia he was is the Neighbors Who Disappeared exhibition, Photo courtesy of Dagmar appointed Minister of Transportation and later reassumed the position which chronicles the fate General Hasal of head of the President’s Military Chancery. of Czech families who Loyal to democratic ideals, General Hasal went into exile in response to the communist takeover of “disappeared” from the Czechoslovakia in 1948. He and his family escaped to the United States, where, as president of the Czech lands during World Czechoslovak Officers in Exile organization and as advisor to the United States Government, Hasal War II. The project was continued to strive for the return of democracy to his homeland until his death in 1960. motivated by the work of Czech school students who General Hasal’s uniform will become part of the permanent collection of the Military History were curious about holes in 20th century history of Institute in Prague. Dagmar White contributed to this article. their local towns. After listening to stories from Czech Reporter Wins Emmy their grandparents about eporter Tomas Etzler became technology, “It’s a new system childhood friends and Rthe first Czech ever to win which is referred to as digital news neighbors who did not live America’s most prestigious TV gathering. It replaces what we through World War II, award, garnering a 2008 Emmy know as the satellite truck—huge students traced the histories for Technology and Engineering. machines with equipment worth of these “neighbors Etzler was part of a U.S. team between 1 and 2 million dollars who disappeared.” The which won the Emmy for each—with satellite modems. Photo courtesy of Czech Television educational exhibit has developing equipment which They are the size of a laptop, Tomas Etzler since traveled from the allows journalists to report from and cost around 5 or 6 thousand backpack.” Running on battery, Czech Republic to schools remote places that are cut off dollars. It’s basically an external the device allows journalists to and organizations in the from modern technology. He satellite modem which is capable report from remote areas even United States, Canada, helped develop the system during of broadcasting live pictures without power. Etzler calls the Italy, and Slovakia. The an 8-year stint at CNN. over broadband via satellite... new low-cost broadcast device Golden Stars will be Now a reporter for Czech It’s a very small device which “a revolution in broadcasting conferred at a ceremony Television, Etzler described the can fit into everybody’s small technologies.” in Brussels in November 2008. 6 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 Czech / American Relations Library of Congress Receives Czech Books eputy Ambassador Jaroslav more than 800-page tome to the DKurfurst and former LOC writing, “With this gift, I SVU president Mila Rechcigl would like to express my gratitude presented several Czech books to the people of the United States to the Library of Congress of America for the help they (LOC) at a reception held have generously provided to at the Czech Ambassador’s our people on our troublesome residence on August 14, 2008. path to freedom and democracy.” Dr. Jeremy Adamson, Director In total Mr. Rechcigl and Deputy of Collections and Services at Ambassador Kurfurst presented the LOC, accepted the books the LOC with six books ranging on behalf of the Library. Tomas in topic from Bohemian Papousek, Czech author of the mushroom species to the donated book titled The Large contributions of Czechoslovaks Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Photo Atlas of Mushrooms from to both U.S. and international Dr. Mila Rechcigl, Dr. Jeremy E. A. Adamson (Director of Collections and Southern Bohemia inscribed his arts and sciences. Services at the Library of Congress), and Mr. Jaroslav Kurfurst

American Composer Records CD in Prague

merican composer Peter Nostrand was in Prague in May 2008 where he hired the Czech Philharmonic AChamber Orchestra to record a CD of his classical compositions. The result of this Czech-U.S. collaboration, Spires of Prague, a collection of 13 classical and romantic compositions, was released this fall. A former chairman, president, and CEO of SunTrust Bank, Greater Washington, Mr. Nostrand now dedicates himself fulltime to composing classical and film music. Mr. Nostrand and his wife Nancy came to the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington to present a copy of the CD to Ambassador Petr Kolar, and spoke with CTN about Spires of Prague, Nostrand’s first classical CD release.

CTN: Out of all the world-class experienced, and knowledgeable. musicians available, how did you They compare favorably to any choose to record this CD in the A-rated American orchestra like Czech Republic and specifically the New York Philharmonic, with the Czech Philharmonic the Boston Symphony, or the Chamber Orchestra? National Symphony (of which I was a board member for 10 PN: Since the 1940s, the Czech years). Philharmonic (also known as the Czech Screen Orchestra) has CTN: Talk about the music on been sought after by composers Spires of Prague. writing for the film industry. My music is either traditional PN: There are 13 compositions— classical or classy romantic, and classical and/or romantic. I am the pieces, usually 3–4 minutes Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko holding three back that were Ambassador Petr Kolar, Mrs. Nancy Nostrand, and Mr. Peter Nostrand each, are well suited for movies. recorded in Prague, including Symphony #1– the “Shubertian” pale. I also am drawn to deeply CTN: What was your experience for a second CD I’ll likely put out emotional romantic themes. PN: My dream is to be able to like working with the Orchestra? later this year. influence our public elementary CTN: What inspires your schools to restore music into PN: The Czech Philharmonic CTN: How long did it take you to compositions? the classroom. Music is one is a terrific asset of the Czech compose the music on the CD? of the greatest gifts we have. Republic. The most rewarding PN: When I was a child, my It teaches good listening. It experience was when the PN: I write one or two parents took me to Tanglewood teaches communication on musicians tapped on their music compositions a month. The in Massachusetts where, amid the levels that disregard age, gender, stands, indicating they liked longer I tinker with it, usually the Berkshire Mountains, I used to nationality, language, religion, the music and appreciated the better it becomes. hear Charles Munch conducting and income. In a country where experience. rehearsals with the Boston Pops. we put a disproportionate value CTN: Which style of music do My dad, a clergyman, was an on getting ahead, we would be CTN: What are your impressions you prefer to compose? expert violinist and taught me to better off concentrating more on of professional Czech appreciate music, and to write it getting along. Music can help. musicians? PN: My favorite is traditional down on blank score paper. classical, in the style of To purchase Spires of Prague and PN: They are extremely Beethoven, Mozart, and CTN: What is your hope for the to learn more about Mr. Nostrand, well trained, professional, Schubert, against whose talent I life of the music on this CD? go to www.peternostrand.com. Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 7 Cultural Events Embassy Commemorates Czech Historical Anniversaries hroughout fall 2008 the the communist coup of 1948, and screenings, concerts, lectures, academicians, and government TEmbassy of the Czech the Soviet-led invasion of the and conferences, will culminate officials from Europe and the Republic will sponsor a series of country in 1968. The events also with an October international United States. events to mark the anniversaries celebrate the 15th anniversary historical symposium For a complete listing of fall of historical occurrences that of independent Czech Republic, cosponsored by George commemorative events please go have shaped the Czech political established in 1993, and precede Washington University’s Elliot to www.mzv.cz/washington and landscape and took place in years the Czech presidency of the School of International Affairs. click on the “Culture and Events” ending with the number 8. These European Union which begins in The symposium “Fateful Eights tab. milestones include the 90th January 2009. in Czech History: Historical anniversary of the founding of The series, which Anniversaries of 2008” will Czechoslovakia in 1918, as well includes photography exhibits, convene panel discussions with Register Now! as the German takeover of 1938, documentary and feature film dozens of scholars, diplomats,

Touching Sensitive Moments in History Through Film Historical Conference he Lions of Czech Film Series provides the Washington, DC, community with an invaluable at George Topportunity to view Czech films that are hits in Europe and have received numerous honors and Washington awards at film festivals, including the prestigious Czech Lion Award, the Czech equivalent ofan University Academy Award. The upcoming selections for the series focus on historical themes that have touched Central Europe: love, heroism, and survival during WWII and the invasion of the Communist regime, the October 23–24, 2008 struggle to find identity in the midst of the upheaval, and seeing humor even in the direst situations. The screenings below take place at the Avalon Theatre located at 5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Tickets are $10 (Adults), $7.50 (Children 11 and under, Students with a valid college ID, mbassador Petr Kolar and Seniors). For additional information, visit www.theavalon.org. Awill open the “Fateful Eights in Czech History” October 8, 2008, 8 pm November 12, 2008, 8 pm December 10, 2008, 8 pm conference, cosponsored by George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC. Vilem Precan, founder of the Czechoslovak Documentation Center, will present an opening address Dark Blue World Divided We Fall Zelary on the Czech 20th century. (Tmavomodry svet) (Musime si pomahat) (Zelary) The 2-day conference will At the beginning of the 1950s, Based on a true story, the film This film is the story of an convene nearly 30 experts ex-Royal Air Force (RAF) Czech is a black comedy about the extraordinary relationship, fear, who will participate in pilot Franta Slama is confined ability of fear and necessity misgivings, suspicion, and love panel discussions ranging to a labor camp as an “enemy of to turn common people into that form out of a common will in topic from the creation the people,” because he flew for heroes. Set in a small Czech to survive. of Czechoslovakia and the the RAF during WWII. The new town occupied by the German Set in the 1940s, the Czech lands repercussions of the Munich totalitarian communist regime Army during the last years of are occupied by the Nazis. Eliska Agreement, to the political deemed him contaminated by the WWII, a childless Czech couple is unable to finish medical school psychology of modern Western ideals of democracy and named Josef and Marie come because the Germans closed the Czechs. The program also freedom and a potential threat to across their former neighbor, a universities. She now works as includes films, lectures, the state. The communists feared Jew who has managed to escape a nurse in a city hospital and exhibitions, and other events such heroes would once again imprisonment in a Nazi camp. is involved in the resistance surrounding the historical fight for freedom. The film flashes Although desperately fearful movement. The resistance group anniversaries. To view back to March 1939, just before of taking on such a potentially that the doctors are involved the complete conference world peace is irredeemably dangerous responsibility, they in is discovered and hunted by program, list of panelists, shattered. Franta congratulates decide to offer him refuge in the Gestapo. While Eliska’s discussion topics, and session his protégé, fresh-faced trainee their home. This is the beginning lover, Richard, flees the country times, go to www.mzv.cz/ pilot Karel Vojtisek, for passing of a dramatic fight for survival overnight, the group quickly has washington. his flying test. Soon afterward, that forever connects their fate. to find a different safe haven for Franta and Karel escape Nazi- Heroism and collaboration, her. She joins Jonza, a patient The conference is free occupied Czechoslovakia and generosity and cowardice whose life she had saved at the and open to the public but reach England, where they intermingle making it difficult, if hospital. He keeps her safe in a registration is required join the RAF. Both men fall not impossible, to pass judgment. mountain village called Zelary. and must be completed by in love with the same woman, October 20, 2008. To register, Susan. For Karel, Susan is Nomination for the Best Foreign Nomination for the Best Foreign please e-mail czech_events@ his first love and the men’s Language Film category – 73rd Language Film category – 75th yahoo.com and provide your friendship is tested to its limit. Annual Academy Awards, 2001 Annual Academy Awards 2003 name, phone number, and e-mail address. For more Director Jan Sverak, 2001, 119 Director Jan Hrebejk, 2000, 117 Director Ondrej Trojan 2003, 150 information, please call (202) min., in Czech with English minutes, in Czech with English minutes, in Czech with English 274–9105. subtitles. subtitles. subtitles. Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 8 Documentary Film

Director Discovers Hidden Secrets rench director Jean Bodon uncovers the truth about his Czechoslovak father’s wartime experience and hidden Jewish heritage in the FWorld War II documentary Howling with the Angels, which will screen at the Library of Congress on October 22, at 12 noon. Follow- ing the screening, viewers can participate in a Q&A with the director.

Howling with the Angels tells the story of Jan Bodon, a young blond-haired, blue-eyed captain in the Czech Army, who was fluent in German. In March 1939, Hitler’s army marched into Prague, Czechoslovakia, and Bodon was “asked” to join the Nazis. He promptly fled and joined the Czech Resistance Movement instead. In this Photo courtesy of UAB Publications powerful documentary directed First picture (far left): Jan Bodon (right) in London with Josef Opalka, one of six Czech soldiers who was on the final by Jan’s son, Jean Bodon mission to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich. Second picture: Jan Bodon on a motorcycle. Third picture: Jan Bodon discovers that his father was (center) with his sisters Patcerka (right) and Magda, and Magda’s husband who was eventually tried and convicted as a Nazi war criminal. Fourth picture: Jan Bodon as a child. secretly a Jew in a country which underwent one of the largest to camps or to Germany for Bodon dug deeper into his Jewish community stand in ruins; a extermination campaigns of the “Aryanization.” roots. He discovered that in rabbi travels the area to serve war. Through researching his 1892, his family’s name changed the remaining parishioners. When making the film, Jean father’s experience in World from Weinberger to Bodon. The Jewish cemeteries, such Bodon meticulously researched War II, Bodon stumbled upon Additionally, Jean recalled a as the one in which Bodon’s the details of his father’s escape. the shocking truth concerning his visit with his mother to Slovakia grandmother is buried, are often He learned that his father met father’s background. Jean Bodon during which his aunt claimed not unkempt and bedraggled. secretly with ex-president Edvard wondered why his to know where “I wish I could’ve talked to Benes and other deserters. Benes father returned his grandmother him about it…There are so instructed the soldiers to escape only once to was buried. many things I would like to as best they could and meet up in Czechoslovakia In light of the know,” Bodon said reflecting France. Jan Bodon told his son after the war discovery of his on the discovery of his father’s that he escaped Czechoslovakia despite having Jewish heritage, Jewish heritage. Bodon’s father by walking, then taking the fought in the Jean believed died in 1985, before Jean’s great train. “As it turns out, the way Czech Resistance that his father awakening to his past. he ‘took’ the train was by hiding Movement. So had told her to Jean Bodon is a underneath it, near the wheel, Bodon called a keep the identity Professor in the Department where the latrines emptied out,” distant relative of his family of Communication Studies at Jean Bodon said. in Slovakia and secret from even the University of Alabama at About 3,000 Czechs asked him why he Jean and his Birmingham. He teaches courses including Jan Bodon successfully thought his father mother. Jean later in television production, cinema, escaped and became fighters in had stayed out of learned that his and broadcasting. the Czech Resistance Movement. Czechoslovakia. Photo courtesy of Jean Bodon grandmother was The information in this Though he did not go on the The relative responded matter- buried in the Jewish cemetery article was taken primarily from final mission, Jan Bodon was of-factly, “He was a Jew,” a of Kosice. “Howling with the Angels, A one of the 20 British-trained secret that Jan Bodon had kept “What Hitler wanted, he got: UAB filmmaker discovers his Czech soldiers selected to assist even from his French wife and I went to discover the Jewish hidden heritage,” by Terrianne in the May 1942 assassination friends. culture of that area, and it simply Latsis, visit: http://main.uab. of Reinhard Heydrich, “The Upon discovering his isn’t there anymore,” said Jean edu/show.asp?durki=87836. Butcher of Prague,” who chaired heritage, Jean Bodon did not feel Bodon on his trip back to Kosice the Wannsee Conference to plan angry at his father. He believed to uncover more of his heritage. Bodon skillfully the extermination of all European that there were many reasons for In 1939, 15,000 out of the 70,000 articulates the Jews. The retaliation by Nazi hiding the truth. Probably the who lived in Kosice were Jewish. complex sequence forces was savage─at least main reason was for safety and Of that 15,000, only 400 survived of events following 1,300 Czechs were murdered on not knowing who could be trusted the concentration camps. Today, the Nazi occupation Hitler’s order to “wade through during such tumultuous times. only 10 are still living, and none of Czechoslovakia blood” to find Heydrich’s killers. Additionally, after the war the of their children has remained and its tragic On June 10, 1942, Nazis soldiers family travelled throughout the in the Czech Republic. “They consequences for the entered Lidice, a town known Middle East. Jan Bodon worked encouraged their children to go Jewish population. A for its hostility toward the as an engineer on a pipeline. away,” said Jean Bodon. “They testament to heroism occupation and suspected of “Living in the Middle East, it are very proud to say that their and a poignant harboring resistance fighters, would have been difficult for my children are in the United States story of identity lost seized all 173 men, and killed father to be known as a Jew… or in Israel.” and rediscovered.” them. The women were sent He could have lost his job,” said Today, several large ~ Daniel A. Reich, to concentration camps and Jean Bodon. synagogues that once served Curator, St. Louis the children were sent either Through the Internet, Jean Kosice’s thriving Jewish Holocaust Museum Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 9 Exhibitions Magnum Photographer Josef Koudelka’s INVASION 68 PRAGUE n 1968, Josef Koudelka was 30 Iyears old. He had committed himself to photography as a full-time career only recently, and had been chronicling the theater and the lives of gypsies, but he had never photographed a news event. That all changed on the night of August 21, when Warsaw Pact tanks invaded the city of Prague, ending the short-lived political freedom in Czechoslovakia that came to be Photo courtesy of Josef Koudelka / Magnum Photos known as the Prague Spring. In “What is the maximum to me and maximum to reality is a good picture. the midst of the turmoil of the My contact sheets are a personal record of my life. Soviet-led invasion, Koudelka They are my diary—where I sleep, how I eat and who I am with.” ~ Josef Koudelka took to the streets to document Koudelka. ‘Listen, these are my pictures. produced by Magnum Photos, this critical moment. Koudelka’s images were I was there.’ And they have to is presented in conjunction Western photographer Ian smuggled out of the country. A believe me,” said Josef Koudelka with a publication of the same Berry was in Prague the week year after they reached New York, in an interview with Aperture name. The exhibit is comprised of the invasion. He remembers: Magnum Photos distributed the Foundation’s Melissa Harris of 74 prints, 1 document, and “The only other photographer I photos, but credited them to an printed in Aperture magazine portions of significant texts saw was an absolute maniac who unknown Czech photographer (Fall 2008). from the book. The selection had a couple of old-fashioned to avoid reprisals. The intensity On the occasion of the 40th and sequence of the work were cameras on a string round his and significance of the images anniversary of the invasion, the arranged in collaboration with neck and a cardboard box over earned the still-anonymous Embassy of the Czech Republic, Josef Koudelka. his shoulders, who was actually photographer the Robert Capa in collaboration with the Katzen Invasion 68 Prague will be just going up to the Russians, Award. Sixteen years would pass Arts Center at American on display at the Katzen Arts clambering over their tanks, and before Koudelka could safely University and the Aperture Center from November 11– photographing them openly. He acknowledge authorship. Foundation, present Invasion December 28, 2008, with a Meet had the support of the crowd, “These photographs are 68 Prague, a remarkable exhibit the Artist Reception featuring who would move in and surround proof of what happened. When which documents the Soviet-led guest photographer Josef him whenever the Russians tried I go to Russia, sometimes I invasion through Koudelka’s Koudelka on November 18, at 6 to take his film. I felt either this meet ex-soldiers who occupied powerful black and white pm. guy was the bravest man around Prague during that period. They photography. For more information about or he is the biggest lunatic.” say: ‘We came to liberate you. The show, organized by the Josef Koudelka, please visit That photographer was Josef We came to help you.’ I say: Aperture Foundation and co- www.magnumphotos.com.

Czech Artist Jiri Anderle Michael Borek to Open Creates Visionary Works from Behind Wide Asleep the Iron Curtain

zech-American photographer Michael Now–January 4, 2009 CBorek’s work ranges from the playful, a (Cincinnati, OH) fairytale-like balloon sailing over Prague, to the ominous, a scene from a Santa Fe railway depot he Cincinnati Art that is evocative of a David Lynch movie. All TMuseum presents the his photographs share a dreaminess that pays first major U.S. retrospective homage to the many surrealist artists he admires. Photo courtesy of Michael Borek exhibition of work of the esteemed Czech artist Jiri Borek, who lives in Bethesda, MD, derives his inspiration from the old in our modernized world. Anderle. Working in spite Having spent a number of years surrounded by the lifeless architecture of the communist era, Borek of political oppression was drawn toward the aged architectural structures of the 1920s and 1930s. The magic of the buildings’ and censorship behind falling stucco and peeling paint captivated the author’s lens. In the U.S. landscape, Borek seeks the iron curtain, Anderle the forgotten neighborhoods with his camera capturing the randomness and traces of former lives. has created a varied body of work that explores Meet photographer Michael Borek at the opening reception of the exhibition Wide Asleep on fundamental issues facing November 6, 7–9 pm. The exhibition will be on display at the Embassy of the Czech Republic from mankind. The exhibition November 6–December 15, 2008. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9–5 pm. Please call (202) Illusion and Reality: 274–9105 to schedule an appointment to view the exhibit. Prints by Jiri Anderle features four decades of his For more information about Michael Borek’s work, please visit www.michaelborek.com. gripping work. For more information, visit www. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. 10 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 Culture Folk Legend Brings Music To DC very Czech seems to know poll as the most interesting artist, and Country, covering the Czech Ethe name Jaromir Nohavica, in particular through his song The folk scene from the 1960s to who sprang to fame in the 1960s Men Above (Panove nahore). the present. In 2002, Nohavica and continues to be one of the This song openly attacked the even played the leading role in most celebrated stars on the evil effects of unlimited political the fictitious documentary Year Czech folk music scene. His soft power through making use of of the Devil (Rok d’abla) by voice resonates with passion as an adaptation of international renowned director Petr Zelenka. he plucks tunes to sing-a-long classics by the French writer The film won the Czech Lion lyrics, reflecting on the very Boris Vian. This and other texts award from the National Film nuances that shape humanity. of Nohavica’s soon provoked the Academy for best film score, At age 13, Jaromir Nohavica ire of Communist censorship and shared by Nohavica and the taught himself how to play the Nohavica began experiencing group Cechomor. Additionally, guitar, then the violin, flute, and many obstacles placed in the way he has recorded over a dozen top- accordion. He has received no of his freedom of expression. selling CDs. formal musical training, but this However, his work remained Nohavica’s music remains self-made man has inspired and widely dispersed in the form of poised between folk and folklore. entertained a nation through his illegal amateur radio recordings His stylistic orientation tends to highly acclaimed talent. and handwritten copies of look eastward: using elements He first made a name for his songs prior to the Velvet of Slavic melody, taking subject himself as a songwriter, begin- Revolution. matter from a Slavic scene ning with lyrics for the regional Since the fall of commu- and inspiration from Russian Czech groups Atlantis (1967), nism, Nohavica’s popularity has Romantic literature in general.

Noe (1968), and the Ostrava rock continued to abound. As a unique For instance, he has set to music Photo courtesy of www.nohavica.cz band Majestic. Later, he col- artist pursuing his own path, he the work of several Czech poets Jaromir Nohavica laborated with Czech Radio and has been able to come to terms including Frantisek Gellner (The wordplay, and is a master of leading popular singers such as with the radical post-communist Joys of Life | Radosti zivota), the epic narrative, love lyrics, Petr Nemec, Vera Spinarova, and transformation of folk music and Petr Bezruc (Where Do I satires, and more. Through his Marie Rottrova. within Czech society. Belong | Kdo na moje misto). music Nohavica grapples with By chance, his first public For example, in 1996, he Nohavica’s great advantage the deepest experiences of life. performance with his original received a Czech Grammy (the is his rich vocabulary and Singer-songwriter Jaromir songs occurred at the Folk first time that a folk recording melodic ear. Nohavica will perform at the Carousel Festival in Ostrava- had ever won), and has written Themes in his music range Embassy of the Czech Republic Poruba, and he quickly became lyrics and music for many from holding a mirror up to the on October 14, 2008, 7:30 pm. a familiar face as one of the theatrical performances. Also, current state of society and putting Information for this article leading personalities of Czech he became one of the leading forth a political or civic stance, was taken from the Czech folk music. At a national figures in the Czech Television to philosophical reflection. He Musical Dictionary of Persons competition, he won the viewers’ documentary Legends of Folk makes use of subtle humor and and Personalities.

Czech Christmas Concert Reminder Worthwhile Reading he Choral Arts Society of TWashington will hold their n his recently published third collection annual Christmas concert, Iof short stories, Fausto’s Afternoon, holiday gala, and silent auction at Dr. Jaroslav Cervenka hands his readers the Kennedy Center on Monday, a round-the-world ticket that not only December 15, 2008, at 7 pm. This transports them to five continents, but even year’s concert will feature Czech provides a map in the front of the book to Christmas music, sung in Czech, orient them along the journey. Whether in followed by a gala and silent Prague, Kenya, or the Colombian jungle, auction chaired by Ambassador Cervenka’s characters celebrate discovery Petr Kolar and Mrs. Jaroslava and friendship, while witnessing the ever- Kolarova. The Choral Arts gala fascinating parade of humanity. is one of Washington’s most premier fundraisers. This year’s Born and raised in Prague, Cervenka, left there with his theme, Winter in Wenceslas wife and son in 1968 in response to the Soviet-led invasion Square, will feature Czech art, of Czechoslovakia. He spent the next 35 years as a professor products, and commerce, as well of medical at the and is as travel in the Czech Republic. an expert in the field of cytogenetics. Since retiring from The concert also will be performed medicine, Cervenka has dedicated himself fulltime to on December 20 and 24 at 1 pm. fiction writing and is currently preparing his first novel for For Choral Arts concert tickets publication. In addition to three collections of short stories, and more information on the Fausto’s Afternoon, The Revenge of Underwater Man, and gala, please call Emily Riffle at Mal D’Afrique, Cervenka also has published a children’s (202) 244–3669, ext. 15, or go to adventure travel book, The Adventures of Missi One. Fausto’s www.choralarts.org. Afternoon is available from Whistling Shade Press. For more Photo courtesy of the Mucha Foundation Mucha’s Winter information go to www.whistlingshade.com. Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2008 11 Reconstruction

Czech Government Aids Flooded Museum he government of the Czech “It is a wonderful gesture, not were, for their best preservation, TRepublic has pledged 10 only financially speaking,” said whisked off at the crisis moment million Czech crowns to aid Naughton,“But it is also a gesture to the conservators. Now we are Czech historical sites in Cedar of support, and solidarity, and getting back assessment reports of Rapids, Iowa, including the belief in our mission. It is just the damage and recommendations Czech & Slovak Museum & fabulous.” for restoration,” said Naughton

Library, which was nearly The extent of the damage to who added that the entire process Photo courtesy of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library destroyed by the summer 2008 the Museum and its collections, of assessing and restoring Hall, St. Wenceslaus Church floods. Gail Naughton, president which were in the beginning of collections will take years to gymnasium, and the public and CEO of the Museum, was an expansion project when the accomplish. library. For more information in Prague in September to meet floods hit, has yet to be fully In addition to the Museum, on the National Czech & Slovak with the U.S. ambassador and determined. “We are just really other sites in Cedar Rapids that Museum & Library or to make with Czech government officials getting to know exactly what we will be rebuilt with the help of a donation, please go to www. when she learned the news. are dealing with, because items the Czech funds are the Sokol ncsml.org. Embassy Undergoing Reconstruction n order to better accommodate completely renovated main hall, Ithe activities of the upcoming and a new foyer and reception Czech presidency of the area. Construction is scheduled to European Union in 2009, the be completed by late September Embassy has been undergoing or early October. The Embassy renovations since early summer. will fully re-open to the public in Among the changes are a new October 2008. security booth at the front gate, a

Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko

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