Czech National Day Celebrations in Washington, DC
AFOCR Directors with Minister Jan Lipavsky
Photo Credit: Michal Danis
Remarks by Roger Kodat at Masaryk Memorial on Czech National Day celebrated on October 23, 2025:
Minister Lipavský, Ambassador Stašek, Ambassador Graber, and distinguished guests,
As President of the American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFOCR), we are honored to join in celebrating the 107th anniversary of the founding of the new nation of Czechoslovakia in October 1918. This statue, dedicated in 2002, is the result of a joint project between the Czech government and AFOCR.
It is fitting that we gather here on Czech National Day to remember and honor the exceptional leadership of a statesman such as T. G. Masaryk. He was a master at building unity to establish a new democratic nation in Central Europe — bringing together the diverse viewpoints of Czechs, Slovaks, Americans, and others at that time. His commitment and passion to forge a new nation must never be forgotten. Now, more than ever, we need statesmen of his caliber.
Since this monument was erected in 2002, many of those who have passed by it over the years might be surprised to learn of the special role the United States played in the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic. After marrying an American woman he met in Leipzig, Tomáš Masaryk was invited to lecture in Chicago by Charles Richard Crane, a wealthy industrialist. Crane later helped connect President Woodrow Wilson with his Czech friend — and the rest, as they say, is history.
I hold dear the following Masaryk quote, which feels especially fitting on this day:
“We will always be connected with the American nation — connected through the spirit of liberty and democracy.”
Mr. Minister, ladies and gentlemen, the AFOCR continues in the footsteps of the man in whose shadow we stand. Grateful to be Americans with a strong Czech connection, our organization strives to build upon this legacy in the years to come.
Congratulations on this National Day — and thank you.
