On November 17, 2025, a special event titled “Freedom and Democracy Soirée” took place at the Driehaus Museum in Chicago to mark International Student Day and November 17 – the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. The evening offered an opportunity to reflect on values such as courage, solidarity, and civil rights, which were emphasized in the opening speech by Consul General Jakub Utěšený.
 
Guests were able to recall historical milestones ranging from the courageous voices of students in 1939 to the peaceful strength of the Velvet Revolution in 1989. In addition to inspiring speeches, a key moment of the evening was the symbolic tribute to Václav Havel, presented through the film “Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me?” His life’s legacy and his belief that truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred resonated throughout the entire evening.
 
The program included presentations by students from Columbia College Chicago and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, who brought fresh perspectives on the values of democracy and freedom from the viewpoint of the younger generation. On this occasion, young Czech artist Vít Švéda created two paintings themed around democracy and freedom, which decorated the stage throughout the evening.
 
To mark this year’s commemoration and the upcoming 90th anniversary of Václav Havel’s birth, the Chicago City Council adopted a resolution honoring Havel’s international legacy. During the evening, the resolution was presented to Andrew Schapiro, Chairman of the Board of the Václav Havel Center in New York and former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. With this resolution, Chicago paid tribute to the contributions, work, and life of Václav Havel.
 
The event was free and open to all, symbolically recalling the importance of bringing people together across generations and countries. We extend our thanks for the generous support of Mrs. Kristýna Pellouchoud Driehaus, a member of American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR), as well as to other partners.