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Home / Archive / Newsletter - Summer 2003
FOS Newsletter
FOS Host Opera Star Peter Dvorsky
Dvorsky’s performance was divided into two parts: the first half of the concert was primarily dedicated to songs from Central European composers. First, Dvorsky performed Slovak composer Mikulas Schneider-Trnavsky’s cycle Tears and Smiles, including The Ring, The Song, Guslar, and A Little Leg. Antonin Dvorak’s The Biblical Songs ended the first half of the concert. After a brief intermission, Dvorsky focused on Italian arias, including several excerpts from Giaccomo Puccini’s Tosca. Throughout the evening, Dvorsky was accompanied by Slovak renowned pianist Jozef Malik. A world-class talent in his own right, Malik is Dvorsky’s preferred accompanist when available. Dvorsky had traveled with Malik from Japan via Slovakia in order to perform for the Washington audience. FOS Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan emceed the evening’s program, and special guests Slovak Ambassador Martin Butora, FOS Chairman Jan Surotchak, and U.S. Representative John Mica made brief statements during the concert interludes. Support for the performance was also provided in part by the National Bank of Slovakia and Kovod. The day after the public appearance, Dvorsky and Malik were feted at the Slovak Embassy for FOS supporters and others who supported the Washington concert. At the reception, FOS Vice Chair Bill Tucker presented a FOS Medal of Honor to Dvorsky for his assistance in improving U.S.-Slovak relations, and his continuing support for arts and culture in Slovakia.
Sweet Sorrows for Jezovica and Vagac Departures
Jezovica, Deputy Chief of Mission and daily administrator of the busy Embassy staff, left the Embassy the last day of January, and reported to his new job as the foreign policy advisor to the Prime Minister of Slovakia that following Monday. Prior to his departure, FOS awarded Jezovica its FOS Medal of Honor for his innumerable contributions to improving U.S.-Slovak relations in the political, economic and cultural arenas. In addition, Jezovica received the first FOS lapel pin signifying the strength of his contributions to the organization. First Secretary Vagac departed a month later, at the end of February. Vagac left both the Embassy and the Foreign Service, completing his work now that Slovakia was invited to enter NATO. Vagac was the first Embassy liaison with FOS, providing invaluable assistance and counsel during the first two years of FOS, and he is sorely missed. Vagac also received an FOS Medal of Honor for his duties. Vagac is now working for CP Consulting, a consultancy firm working on EU-related business in his hometown of Bratislava.
Cultural Notes
FOS Co-sponsors Amb. and Mrs. Butora’s Farewell
Almost 500 FOS members and special friends of Martin and Zora – including two architects who traveled from Bratislava just to attend this event -- attended and expressed their fond farewells and best wishes to the departing diplomats. FOS Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan served as the master of ceremonies. The Butora’s son, Ivan, began the festivities by playing two beautiful pieces on the piano. Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor to President Carter; Heather Conley, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State; and Robert Bradtke, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs then each offered their words of praise and admiration for the hard work and long list of achievements of Ambassador Butora. Slovak Prime Minister Dzurinda sent a lovely letter, which was read to the assembled guests, praising Martin and Zora for their work and accomplishments and welcoming them back home. Slovak citizen and Washington Capitals hockey star Peter Bondra presented Amb. Butora with one of his hockey sticks and a special Capitals hockey jersey bearing the “Butora” surname. And, of course, both Martin and Zora spoke to the guests and even went as far as to offer accommodations in their residence in Bratislava – only not all at once. FOS is deeply indebted to Amb. Butora for his untiring efforts in seeing that FOS was formed and placed on solid organizational footing. It was only through Amb. Butora’s unwavering support that FOS was able to achieve so much in so little time. We thank you Martin and Zora and wish you every possible success and achievement in the coming years! We also hope to continue our relationship with you and your successors for years to come.
FOS-sponsored CSIS Roundtable with Jan Figel May 22, 2003
The May 16-17 referendum in Slovakia, its first valid national referendum, produced a vote of over 92% in favor of joining the EU against 6% opposed, with 52% of eligible voters participating. Roundtable speakers emphasized that the vote symbolizes Slovakia’s commitment to democracy. However, they noted that Slovakia must use the referendum’s momentum to complete the required economic and social reforms, including tax, pension and educational reforms, together with a greater decentralization of governmental institutions, necessary to enter the EU in May 2004 as planned. Messrs. Figel and Bilcik discussed Slovakia’s role as a bridge in maintaining the transatlantic relationship despite recent differences stemming from events in Iraq. They made clear their view that Slovakia can focus more on Europe as it moves to EU membership and still maintain the strong bilateral ties it desires with the US. The speakers also discussed how Slovakia can help the EU successfully engage Slovakia’s neighbors like Ukraine and thus help shape a constructive policy encouraging increased trade and civil society links with the EU’s Eastern neighbors.
2003 SVU Conference in Cedar Rapids “The Czech and Slovak Presence in North America”
Surotchak noted that as political, economic, and cultural relations between the United States and independent Slovakia develop and mature, there is an increasing number of Americans with direct ties to current-day Slovakia living and working in the United States and elsewhere (including many still in Slovakia). These people – among them returned Peace Corps Volunteers, English teachers, businessmen and women, diplomats, and tourists – have ties to Slovakia that they are eager to maintain, but many of them are not Slovak Americans and do not have regular connection to a Slovak American community. He added that FOS is working to engage these people through a range of events and activities that are directly related to their experience and that help present a picture of contemporary Slovakia in the United States. Surotchak thanked both corporate and private donors who have enabled Slovakia to become more of a presence in Washington and among decision-makers there and elsewhere. FOS believes this model – bringing together Slovak Americans, those with a professional interest in Slovakia, and broad individual and corporate support – can help move relations between the two countries to an even higher level.
Welcome Home Party for Martin and Zora Bútora
Participants included Minister of Finance Ivan Mikloš, Minister of Labor Ludovit Kaník, Minister of Culture Rudolf Chmel, former president Michal Kovác, filmmakers Martin Luther and Juraj Jakubisko (whose films have been shown in the FOS series at the Slovak Embassy in Washington), actors Martin Huba and Matej Landl, leading advertising agency mogul Juraj Vaculík, a number of major ambassadors, Members of Parliament, key NGO leaders, and almost all of Ambassador Butora’s team from the embassy in Washington (including Milan Ježovica, Filip Vagac, and Ján Orlovský). The event was emceed by the well known humorist Stano Radic and concluded with a short film by leading producers and and NGO activists Vlado Talian and Juraj Johanides recounting Bútora’s time in DC called “Our Man in Washington.” FOS was represented by Jan and Lenka Surotchak.
Flood Relief Project in Lubietová
Although much of the repair work that has taken place is still visible and substantial work remains to be done, the school will welcome back about 170 pupils this fall at the start of the school year. With FOS support, significant structural improvements have been made to prevent water from entering the bottom floors of the building should such floods occur again, and the entire gymnasium and school cafeteria have been rebuilt. Like many schools across Slovakia, the Masaryk School has a very tight budget, and the repair work put severe strain on the school’s resources. Without the support of FOS donors around the USA, teaching at the school would certainly have suffered badly. The symbolic check presented to the school by FOS, as well as the one presented by Ambassador Bútora on behalf of the Embassy, hang just outside the school principal’s office on the second floor. Knowing that he could not reach them all, Mayor Jancík made a specific point of asking that FOS offer special thanks to each and every donor who make the reconstruction possible. In Mayor Jancík’s words: “Please give our thanks to all who contributed to the funds used to rebuild the flood damage in our community.”
Reception for Kacer and Korcok at Ambassador Butoraąs Residence
Ambassador Martin Butora introduced Messrs. Kacer and Korcok, who then briefed the reception attendees on the purpose of their visit and the status of Slovakia joining NATO and the EU. Ambassador Ted Russell and Bill Tucker, Founding Chairman and Vice Chairman of FOS respectively, presented both gentlemen with the FOS Medal of Honor in appreciation of the work they had done to further strengthen U.S.-Slovak friendship and cooperation.
Friends of Slovakia Hosts Farewell Dinner for Ambassador and Mrs. Martin Butora
Ambassador Ted Russell, Founding Chairman of FOS, welcomed the dinner guests, including Tom Hricik from the First Catholic Slovak Union, Dan Tanzone from the Slovak Catholic Sokol and Ken Bombara and Helen Fedor from the Slovak American Society of Washington. During their four years in Washington, the Butoras helped establish Slovakia as a valued NATO partner, whose leaders have been repeatedly welcomed in the Oval Office. They are "doers as well as thinkers", who have always championed the democratic values of tolerance and inclusion and whose warmth and charm won the hearts of Americans wherever they went. Bill Tucker, FOS Vice Chairman, introduced Ambassador Butora and his wife Zora and praised their tremendous dedication in promoting Slovakia wherever they went. For the Butoras, no task was ever too small or too large if it helped Slovakia. Tucker added that Ambassador Butora had been one of the driving forces behind the formation of Friends of Slovakia and is a living example of President Reaganąs famous quote that "there is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." FOS Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan presented Ambassador and Mrs. Butora with a beautiful book of photographs of America by Ansel Adams as an emblem of their stay in the United States. Just as Ansel Adams was a visionary and an inspiration who captured the heart and soul of America, so too do Martin and Zora Butora inspire all those with whom they interact, embodying the heart and soul of Slovakia. Ambassador and Zora Butora both made some heartfelt remarks about how much they enjoyed their stay in Washington, the many friendships they had formed all over the U.S. and the things that they would miss when gone. But on a positive note they also emphasized their eagerness to return home to their beloved Slovakia to do their part to ensure the success of a free, democratic, market-oriented system in Slovakia. Other attendees at the dinner included Joe Senko, Michael Novak, Ingrid Aielli, Tom Skladony and David Frankel (FOS Board members); and Ambassador Frank Loy (Member of the FOS Board of Advisors). Mr. and Mrs. John Miller (Raytheon), Mr. and Mrs. Bill Siefken (Lockheed Martin), Tom Sneeringer (U.S. Steel) and John Rehak (Gratex International) were all present at the dinner.
FOS/PTPI Event at the Slovak Embassy
People to People International (PTPI) is non-profit organization started by President Eisenhower in the 1950s. The organization’s mission seeks to foster greater understanding among people of different nationalities by promoting exchanges and organizing visiting delegations to various countries. PTPI has various chapters in Slovakia and approximately 60 foreign countries.
FOS Presents Medals of Honor to President Schuster and Minister of Economy Nemcsics
The US visit by the Slovak President was a great success and had particular significance coming on the day Saddam Hussein’s statue was toppled in Baghdad. At a gala evening reception given by Ambassador and Ms. Butora, Friends of Slovakia presented Medals of Honor to President Schuster and Deputy Prime Minister Nemcsics. In their presentation remarks, FOS Founding Chairman, Amb. Ted Russell, and FOS Vice Chairman Bill Tucker, pointed out that President Schuster and Deputy Prime Minister Nemcsics had substantially advanced the political and economic ties of friendship and commerce binding the US and Slovakia and that their successful Washington visit further cemented this vital relationship.
FOS Hosts Luncheon for Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Mikloš
The Deputy Prime Minister visited Washington from April 10–15 to attend the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Mr. Mikloš also held a series of meetings with policy makers, researchers, and others who follow Slovakia’s economic and political development during his week in the capital. The April 14 FOS luncheon afforded Mr. Mikloš an off-the-record forum in which he could discuss the state of the Slovak economy and of government policies to reduce unemployment, to fight corruption, and to promote greater prosperity. Luncheon participants also asked Mr. Mikloš to predict the likely impact of Slovakia’s accession to the European Union on the economy, to report on the state of foreign investment in Slovakia, and to highlight ways that U.S. firms are contributing to the country’s economic development.
Recent Medal of Honor Awardees
Yuri Dojc was born in Humenne, Slovakia in 1945. He left Slovakia at age 24 to come to Toronto where he lives today. Both of his parents who were Holocaust survivors never left Slovakia. His father passed away in January 1997. At his father's funeral, Yuri met Mrs. Vajnorska, a remarkable lady who spent three years in Auschwitz where she lost her entire family other than her brother. She told him of daily trips she made to visit the homes of Holocaust survivors who were bereft of relatives, in need, or just lonely. To date, with the help of Mrs. Vajnorska and other kind souls, he has completed 80 portraits of these survivors and his project is still a work in progress. Yuri has exhibited and spoke about 24 of these portraits at the Slovak Embassy in Washington, D.C. and in Pittsburgh. On Sunday, June 24, 2003, at a celebration honoring his 60 years in the sacred priesthood, Rev. Jerome Pavlik, O.F.M., was also presented with the FOS Medal of Honor. Father Pavlik was born on August 15, 1917 in Clifton, New Jersey. In August 1935, he entered the Franciscan order. Father Pavlik was ordained a priest on June 24, 1943 and celebrated his first Mass at Saint Cyril and Methodius Church in Clifton, New Jersey. Over the years he has had many assignments in the Franciscan Order. As a bilingual missionary, Father Pavlik has visited every Slovak parish in the United States. One of his greatest achievements was the building of the Saint Francis Friary, Chapel and retreat house in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1971. He served as retreat director there for twelve years. FOS Treasurer, Joseph Senko, made the presentation in Pittsburgh. The 12th Annual Stefan Banic Skydiving Festival and the 4th Annual Pennsylvania State Parachuting Championships were held at the Greenville airport on July 18-20, 2003. During the opening ceremonies on July 18, FOS Treasurer, Joseph Senko, presented Slavo Mulik with the FOS Medal of Honor. Slavo was born in a small Eastern Slovakian village by the name of Nalepkovo in 1944. He became very involved in skydiving. He took his first skydive in 1960 at the Spisska Nova Ves Aeroclub. He established a skydiving center near Capetown, South Africa, where he made dozens of jumps at Air Shows. His dream was to bring recognition to the Slovak who invented the parachute, Stefan Banic. It was during this time that he first introduced Stefan Banic as the inventor of the parachute to the skydiving community. In 1979, he moved to Dallas, Texas. In 1994 Slavo organized a World Attempt in Free Fall in Bratislava with 216 persons from 27 countries. In 1997, he established the non-profit organization, the Stefan Banic Parachute Foundation, which is still very active today.
Annual Wall of Honor Ceremony Scheduled For September 9
FOS Welcomes New Slovak Ambassador Rastislav Kacer
Ambassador Kacer is known to many in the Washington community from his years of service to the Slovak Republic in a number of foreign and defense policy roles. First joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992, Kacer became the director of the analysis section of the MFA’s Department of Analysis and Planning, a department that he would later direct after returning to Bratislava in 1998 from a four-year appointment as First Secretary at the Slovak Mission to NATO in Brussels. From there, Kacer went on to become Director General of the Division of International Organizations and Security Policy at the MFA. He moved over to the Ministry of Defense in 2001 as State Secretary for Integration, and was appointed by the second government of Mikuláš Dzurinda as the sole State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense in October 2002, the post in which he served until his appointment to Washington. Kacer is a long-time proponent of close Slovak-American relations and looks forward to broadening and deepening these ties in his time in the United States, as Slovakia joins the US as a full NATO ally. He pledges to maintain the current high level of political relations between the two countries and will seek to develop trade with the United States and to continue attracting US investment to Slovakia. He also plans to focus on improving bilateral cultural cooperation between the two nations. In a recent interview in Hospodárske noviny, Kacer noted that he wished to further “solidify the highly positive image of the Slovak Republic. I would, however, like transform this level of quality at the political level into visible and tangible forms of cooperation. This means concrete economic cooperation, investment, promoting our businesses on the American market, and increased cultural exchanges and further opportunities for student and scientific exchanges.” A native of Nová Bana in Central Slovakia, who originally planned to be a doctor but was unable to study medicine under the Communist regime, Kacer decided after 1989 to pursue a career in international affairs and has served Slovakia in this profession since independence in 1993. He is joined in America by his wife Otília and his two children Veronika, 17, and Samuel, 10. FOS welcomes Ambassador Kacer and his family and looks forward to many years of successful work together. |