To commemorate the peaceful fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia seemed to be particularly relevant in Canada. The historic anniversary was a great occasion to express sincere gratitude to Canada for accepting countless Czech refugees during the Cold War. Many of them not only excelled in their professions and made a significant contribution to the development of Canada, but also formed one of the most important centers of the Czech exile in the world. Over decades, they helped keep Czech democratic traditions and independent culture alive. The Publishing house 68 Publishers of Mr. and Mrs. Škvorecký saved the independent Czech literature of the Cold War era.

Canada stood by the Czech nation at the time of the creation of modern Czech statehood during World War I and significantly helped renew it after the World War II. In 1989, Czechs were able to begin a new chapter of the exceptionally friendly relations with Canada. Thirty years ago, the Velvet Revolution also opened the doors to the reunification of Czechs at home and Czech-Canadians who were separated for forty years by the Iron Curtain.

Few days before the celebration, Mr. Nedomanský became the second Czech-born member of the NHL Hall of Fame (after a former Ottawa Senator, Dominik Hašek). “We could hardly wish for a better personal story for the occasion,” said H.E. Bořek Lizec. “Mr. Nedomanský boldly escaped the communist rule in the Soviet occupied Czechoslovakia in 1974, and began a new life in freedom and journey to a great success here in Canada.”

The main star performer of the celebrations was the best Czech opera singer of today, a world star of the genre, Mr. Adam Plachetka. Mr. Plachetka spends this fall in the US, performing first as Figaro in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Chicago Lyric Opera and then as Conte Almaviva in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. “I am very grateful to Mr. Plachetka for accepting my invitation and travelling to Ottawa to support the celebration,” added H.E. Bořek Lizec. Mr. Plachetka performed in Ottawa courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera.

On November 27, the Czech Heritage Night took place as part of the NHL game Ottawa Senators vs. Boston Bruins and featured a special welcome to Mr. Václav Nedomanský. Three Czech players were part of the game on the ice: David Pastrňák (NHL’s leading goal scorer) and David Krejčí for the Bruins, and Mr. Filip Chlapík for the Senators. Adam Plachetka presented the national anthems. The fans were able to meet Mr. Nedomanský personally during two “Meet and Greet” sessions. Many thanks to all the fans who came to pay respects to Mr. Nedomanský and celebrate thirty years of our freedom with us!  

The official evening celebration followed on November 28 at the Rideau Club. The invited guests included main partners of the Czech Republic in Canada, including official representatives of Canada, Canadian investors in the Czech Republic, leadership of Canadian universities, research centers, cultural institutions, Czech-Canadian community as well as guests from the Czech Republic. A special concert by Adam Plachetka accompanied by Professor Timothy Cheek was part of the event.

We wish to express great thanks to our sponsors, partners and everyone else who made the celebrations possible.  

 

Historic Newspaper (PDF, 3 MB)

Short documentary about the Velvet Revolution presented at the evening opening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDhkATrD9TM&t=2s

Documentary about Václav Nedomanský

http://bignedfilm.com/

More pictures:

https://embassycz.rajce.idnes.cz/30th_anniversary_of_the_Velvet_Revolution/