TGM Memorial Wall of Honor Unveiled

10-28-2005 - 06:53 AM The T.G. Masaryk Memorial Wall of Honor was unveiled on October 28, 2005 at the Embassy of the Czech Republic as part of the annual National Day commemoration. The wall is situated in a garden setting just outside the Embassy main hall. Completed through a collaboration between AFoCR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the wall lists all who made exceptional contributions to the Masaryk Memorial Project. With the unveiling of the Wall of Honor, AFoCR’s Directors declared that the Masaryk Memorial Project is complete.

During the well-attended National Day ceremony, Ambassador Palous expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all who supported the Masaryk Memorial Project. He then assisted AFoCR Directors Mike Rokos and Phil Kasik with the unveiling of the Wall of Honor. Contributors to the project who made a Czech memorial in Washington, D.C. a reality were acknowledged, and the Masaryk Memorial Book of Honor was presented to Ambassador Palous. The Book lists over 2000 individuals, organizations, associations and foundations that contributed to the Masaryk Memorial, including Czech cities, regions and companies. In describing the significance of the Masaryk Memorial, AFoCR Director Phil Kasik remarked how the Masaryk Memorial would continue as a perpetual symbol of the historic links between the people of the United States and of the the Czech and Slovak peoples. The Memorial will be maintained by AFoCR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will serve as the principal Washington venue to celebrate the historic ties of friendship and the values of freedom, democracy and human rights.

The Masaryk Memorial Project began in 2001 with an international effort led by AFoCR to secure the site, design the memorial, and raise the funds needed for its creation. The Masaryk Memorial Project progressed in September, 2002 with the dedication ceremony of the T.G. Masaryk statue. Distinguished guests who participated in the dedication include Czech President Vaclav Havel and Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright.