Czeching Us Out

President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel addresses the crowd during his historic visit to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange on Saturday, July 13. Seated among the dignitaries on the stage in the front row at the far left are Czech Ambassador to the U.S. Miloslav Stašek and President Pavel’s wife Eva Pavlová. In the row behind them are La Grange Mayor Jan Dockery and Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller. Seated in the front row on the right are TCHCC Vice President Bill Schovajsa and wife Deborah along with former Texas Governor and Fayette County resident Rick Perry. Photos by Andy Behlen A reporter from CNN’s Czech outlet Prima News interviews a young girl in a Kroj dress at President Pavel’s visit to La Grange. Czech President Petr Pavel speaks to reporters during a press conference at the end of his visit to La Grange. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks with Czech President Petr Pavel. TCHCC President Retta Chandler unveiled plans for a monument commemorating Pavel’s historic visit to La Grange. Photo by Andy Behlen

Hundreds gathered at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) in La Grange to greet Czech President Petr Pavel during his historic visit Saturday morning, July 13.

Pavel’s visit is the first by a head of state since U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson came to La Grange in 1969. It is believed to be the first time any foreign head of state has visited La Grange.

Prior to his stop in La Grange, Pavel visited the historic Czech settlement of Dubina with a delegation that included Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek, Pavel’s and Stašek’s spouses, and several representatives from the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. Former Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka led them on a tour of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina.

From there, Pavel traveled to La Grange. An avid motorcyclist, Pavel rode from Dubina to La Grange on a Harley-Davidson provided by The Ranch Harley-Davidson Dealership in College Station.

Once in La Grange, Pavel was greeted by much fanfare from the crowd, along with music from the Round Top Brass Band and some the top Czech singers in the State: John Dujka of the Dujka Brothers from East Bernard along with Danny Zapletal and David Slovak of the Ennis-based band Czech and Then Some.

Many Czech descendants from other parts of the State, such as West and Ennis, made the long trip to La Grange for the visit. Czechs from as far away as Nebraska also came to La Grange to meet President Pavel.

“We are trying to hold on to our culture and heritage,” said TCHCC President Retta Chandler during her introduction. “Our ancestors came to a new land. They had to learn the English language.”

Chandler explained how most of the Czech immigrants in Texas came from the Czech province of Moravia, although a few came from the provinces of Bohemia, Silesia and others.

“They persevered, and they loved to be Czech,” Chandler said. “I think they passed that on to the future generations. I want to welcome the President, and I’m so thankful and honored he’s here.”

“It is an honor to be here, and thank you for the warm welcome we have received,” Pavel said.

Pavel said that on his drive to La Grange, he noticed many familiar names on the road signs he passed.

“These are some wellknown places back in the Czech Republic, especially in Moravia,” he said. “I was feeling almost like I was at home. Then I realized why your ancestors settled here – this country is as beautiful as their home country.

“I was also thinking about these people and what they had to go through – leaving the country they knew and going into totally unknown conditions,” he said. “(They had) no language knowledge, no prepared conditions for their lives. Yet they were still able to overcome the difficulties and succeed. I believe this is exactly what makes this country and our two nations so great – they are able to work out the difficulties and prevail.”

Pavel said he studied the history of Texas prior to his trip.

“I learned this name ‘Texas,’ in the original Indian language, means ‘friends’ or ‘allies,’” he said. “How nicely that comes together – we are friends and allies.”

Pavel encouraged the TCHCC to continue their efforts to preserve Czech heritage in Texas.

“Keeping heritage alive is what brings our nations closer together,” he said. “We need it in the current not-so-safe world more than ever before. We need to understand better.”

He also encouraged everyone to visit the Czech Republic, not only for pleasure, but also for the many work and study opportunities his nation offers.

Following his address, the TCHCC hosted a reception inside Hanslik Hall featuring a traditional Texas-style barbecue meal with smoked brisket and sausage.

Representatives from the TCHCC presented the Czech delegation with several gifts, including a silver and leather bolo tie for President Pavel and Ambassador Stašek.

The TCHCC also unveiled plans for a monument commemorating Pavel’s historic visit to La Grange.

The monument will be placed next to the Immigrant Wall just outside the TCHCC main building.