Parting Consul General Michal Sedláček made an interesting, at times humorous, and touching farewell speech, looking back on his nearly five years in Los Angeles. Attendees had an opportunity to hear both the American and Czech National anthems from the popular Czech musician and actor Adam Mišík, accompanied by talented Czech violinist Johana Krejčí.

Deputy Chief of Protocol Lourdes Saab presented a plaque commemorating the festive occasion of the Czech national holiday and Consul General Michal Sedláček was honored with an appreciation plaque from Consular Press Organization by its Vice President Mark Ryavec.

During the opening remarks, the incoming Consul General Pavol Šepel´ák was officially introduced to over 200 multinational guests, including representatives of diplomatic corps, Czech expatriates and American friends of the Czech Republic, who graced the reception with their presence. Mr. Šepel’ák will become the new Consul General officially on November 1, 2015.

Consul General Michal Sedláček also welcomed promising Czech director Slávek Horák at the reception, whose directorial feature debut Home Care was selected as the Czech entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88^th Academy Awards. Mr. Horák is currently in Los Angeles to present his film in front of Academy members, who will vote in the Oscar competition.

The reception was concluded by testing the Czech traditional drink, slivovice. The Rudolf Jelínek Company was present to serve the guests, who wanted to sample the various flavors of Czech slivovice.