Live Oak Trees Dedicated to Local Czech Center Pioneers
The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center dedicated six live oak trees on the grounds of the Center’s Czech Village in La Grange on Saturday afternoon, March 13.
The trees were planted in honor of several Czech descendents both living and deceased who have been deeply involved with TCHCC.
TCHCC Manager Mark Hermes spoke during the ceremony and said the trees represented the roots planted in Texas by the honorees’ ancestors and their resilience in the face of adversity in a new land.
The dedication began with a surprise. A handout distributed before the ceremony said the first tree was to be dedicated in memory of Jan and Veronika Sramek Hrncir by the Hrncir family. But when it came time to dedicate that tree, Hermes announced that the text on the handout was a ruse to surprise the real honoree, TCHCC President Retta Chandler. The next tree was dedicated to Chandler’s late husband Charles Thomas Chandler, who died last year.
The third tree was dedicated in memory of Richard G. Cernosek, who also died last year. His widow Molly and children Chris and Carmen Cernosek were on hand for the honor. The fourth tree was dedicated in memory of three members of the Hegar family: Joseph A Hegar (2015-2008), Lucille B. Hegar (1918-2013) and Daniel T. Hegar (1920-2009).
The next tree was dedicated in honor of Erwan E. Zouzalik, a retired colonel in the U.S. Army who served from 1960-1984. Zouzalik, his wife and children were on hand for the honor. The fifth tree was dedicated in memory of Frank and Georgia Kruppa by Don and Theresa Kruppa. The final tree was dedicated to Dr. Lester, Carol J., Brian, Liz, Hilary, Nick and Cameron Kitchen.
Following the ceremony, family members gathered under their trees to take pictures and read the memorial plaques.
“We lost a few people last year and some of their families were unable to have funeral services because of everything that was going on with COVID,” said Hermes. “This day gives them a ceremony that they might have missed.”
In addition, Hermes said the trees will provide some nice shade for the Czech Village.