Ladies and gentlemen,

It is the year of 1918 that matters here and today. The year, when the world order begun to be altered and restored after the carnage of the First War.

Some old empires were at the end of their heydays, some new empires have seen the light of future fame and glory. Among the enormous noise of big colossus crumbling, falling and rising, two nations have quietly asserted their place in the new world order.

On this continent, Canada firmly, confidently and independently stepped into the world arena by claiming a seat at the League of Nations, thus successfully concluding the emancipation process within the Commonwealth that started some fifty years before. Historians give big credit for it also to more than sixty thousands Canadian soldiers who bravely fought on European battlefields such as Vimy Ridge.

  Deep in the heart of Europe, another nation claimed its right to statehood. And it is not a wonder that it also were soldiers, who helped to make the claim reality. As it was not only skilful diplomacy of Masaryk and Stefanik that stood out during the birth of Czechoslovakia, but also bravery of sixty thousands of Czechoslovak soldiers fighting Bolsheviks all across Russia.

Similarities in 1918 between the two nations on the opposite side of the world were just a coincidental part of history. But soon after, Canada and Czechoslovakia became willing partners - as those sixty thousands Czechoslovak soldiers retreated through Siberia to Pacific Ocean - and many of them were repatriated back to Europe through Canada. The hospitality of Canadians when Czechoslovak legionares traveled from Vancouver to the East coast by fancy Pullman train coaches stayed forever in their memories and in their memoirs.

Unfortunately, the fate of these two states, despite similar beginnings, took very different turn. While Canada thrived and prospered, Czechoslovakia with the exception of first two decades suffered.

And therefore, for long time, the Czech and Slovak soldiers were the last ones to head from Canada to Europe - as during the rest of the twentieth century, thousands of their compatriots were heading exactly the opposite directions. Usually running for their lives.

They were running from Hitler in 1938. They were running from Gottwald´s communist hordes in 1948 and they were running again in 1968 from Brezhnyev´s “friendly and helpful” soldiers who ended the Prague Spring at the gunpoint.

  Canada has always opened its arms to those less fortunate and provided them with opportunity. And many Czechs and Slovak used this opportunity to the full extent. Not only to the benefit of their own but also to the benefit of Canada.

  Today, there is more than two hundred thousands Canadians of Czech and Slovak origin living in Canada. They became true Canadian patriots and important part of Canadian society.

Therefore allow me to say:

THANK YOU, CANADA, for opening the door to my compatriots in difficult times in our end of the world.

At the same time, names such as Tomas Bata, Otto Jelinek, Joe Schlesinger, Peter Stastny or Tim Hudak and others who became household names, they are just a tip of the iceberg of thousands of others who used the opportunity Canada gave them. And they keep on giving back to Canada. Generously.

Therefore, also allow me to say:

CONGRATULATIONS, CANADA!

Thank you for your attention.