Celebrating the 107th Anniversary of the Founding of the Czechoslovak State in Chicago
04.11.2025 / 19:18 | Aktualizováno: 04.11.2025 / 20:54
This year, the 107th anniversary of the founding of the independent Czechoslovak state was celebrated on October 24th with a reception held at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago. As in previous years, the event honored the role of our American friends and the Czech community in the United States in the pivotal events at the end of World War I that led to the creation of Czechoslovakia, as well as their continued support for Czechoslovakia and its successor state, the Czech Republic.
The honorary guest and representative of the Czech-American community was Major General Daryl Bohac, former commander of the Nebraska National Guard. General Bohac, who recently received the Gratias Agit Award from the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the Czech Army and the Nebraska National Guard, as well as the support provided by the Czech-American community during the Czech Republic’s accession to NATO.
Consul General Jakub Utěšený reminded guests of the core values on which the modern Czech state is built – freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He also highlighted key ties between the Czech Republic and the American Midwest in trade, investment, science, and culture.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Czech edition of the book “Česká Amerika: Chicago”, attended by its author Jaroslav Kříž, director of the Municipal Library in Turnov. The program also included performances of the Czech and American national anthems, sung by Dr. Kilie Gougler from Iowa.
Interactive activities titled “Czech it out Passport” allowed guests to explore Czech culture in an engaging way. Additional activities included questions about Czech history and well-known Czech companies such as Czechvar and Rudolf Jelínek, whose products guests were also able to taste. Representatives from the T. G. Masaryk Czech School taught visitors basic Czech phrases. Traditional Czech dishes, including goulash with dumplings, potato salad, and schnitzel, were served.
The Consulate received congratulatory letters from Chicago Mayor B. Johnson, Illinois Attorney General K. Raoul, and Mr. Morales from Indiana, which were displayed for guests during the event.
Special thanks were extended to Miss Czech Slovak US Pageant I. Sherman and Miss Czech-Slovak Illinois 2025–26 K. Sebestik for their support of Czech folklore and heritage in the United States.
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks to all participants who contributed to a warm and festive atmosphere celebrating Czech culture and heritage.
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Recepce ke státnímu svátku 2025
