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Únor 2004  All Roads Lead to OlomoucMiloslav RechciglSVU –Československá společnost pro vědu a umění, což je americká organizace s pobočkami v různých zemích světa, jak lze vidět na jejich webové stránce http://www.svu2000.org, pořáda svůj dvaadvacátý světový kongres v Olomouci ve dnech 28. cervna až 2. července 2004. Pro případné zájemce o účast přikládáme oficiálni pozvánku. We are entering the fourth year of the New Millennium on a very positive note, based on the good news of the steadily improving economy, increased industrial output, drop in unemployment rate, promising stock market and Saddam's capture has brightened the prospects for a happy and prosperous New Year. SVU, too, is entering the New Year with recharged batteries, having achieved an excellent record last year with great expectations for the future, as was elaborated in my State of the SVU in the Year 2003 Report. The Society has made tremendous strides, both in terms of its new initiatives and in recruitment of young members. Our Iowa conference in Cedar Rapids last June was an unqualified success - from our perspective it was a pivotal event of the year, thanks to the splendid cooperation of Nebraska Chapter, particularly the Chapter's President Kacenka Oslzly. You all read about it in my testimonial, "Reliving the New World's Symphony". This important event hardly finished and we were fully engrossed in the preparation of another important undertaking, the Working Conference on Czech and Slovak American Archival Materials and their Preservation, in cooperation with the Czech and Slovak Embassies in Washington, DC, where the Conference was held on 22-23 November. The Conference, which was convened under the aegis of the US Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage abroad, was a hit, as has been noted by the media and is elaborated separately in the issue of Zpravy SVU. We are now embarking on the next important event - the 22nd SVU World Congress - undoubtedly the most important event of the year 2004 for SVU members and our friends. The Congress is being cosponsored by the Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic where the Congress will be held. I had an opportunity to visit the University last fall and meet with the responsible officials, including Docent PhDr. Ivo Bartecek, CSc., Dean of the Philosophical Faculty and Prof. MUDr.PHDr. Jana Macakova, CSc., Rector of the University. I was cordially received and shown around the beautiful layout of the University and the various facilities it provides. I am gratified that we were able to negotiate very agreeable terms regarding logistics and local arrangements to make the Congress pleasurable and affordable for our members. I also had an excellent meeting with the Deputy Mayor of the City, who promised, on behalf of the Lord Mayor, to assist us with the Congress organization. I am sure the Congress visitors will be amazed by the beauty of the historic town and its incredible architectural treasures, just as I was. The Hana Region, where Olomouc is located, has begun writing its history already in the 10th century when it became an important crossroad in the country. After Prague, it is the second to have the most famous protected historical sites. This unique Moravian town is the home of the Moravian bishops and archbishops and the second oldest university in the Czechlands, the latter being founded in the year 1573. The Olomouc environs are also something to see. Among other, I had the chance to travel in the Kravarsko region, including Fulnek where John Amos Comenius preached his last sermon ro his followers before he left for exile, and Suchdol as well as close-by villages from which the disciples and followers of Master John Hus and Bishop Comenius escaped in large numbers to Herrnhut, Saxony where they reestablished the ancient Unitas fratrum under the name of the Moravian Church and eventually found refuge in America where they established their new settlements, such as Bethlehem. PA and Salem, NC. We now have to get busy and diligently start working in earnest on our program. As has been customary in our previous Congresses, in addition to the central theme "Moravia in the International Context, we are contemplating other sessions and discussion panels in various areas of Czech and Slovak history and culture. We urge all interested persons to fill out the Preregistration and Speaker's Form and return it to the following address: It is in our interest to have as many members participate in this important event as possible. Those of you who are concerned about the long distance of Olomouc from the Czech Capital, don't! I made it only in two and half hours! Our members always regret when they miss some of our memorable events. Don't make a mistake this time. This will be an occasion to remember! Miloslav Rechcigl SVU President Preregistration and Speaker's Form Name:.......................................................................................................................... Address:...................................................................................................................... Institutional affiliation:............................................................................................. E-mail address: ......................................................................................................... Phone:......................................................................................................................... I wish to prepare a talk on:...................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... I would like to organize a symposium, specialized session or panel discussion:.................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................... Additional comments regarding the program, potential speakers ................................................................................................................................... Send to SVU President via e-mail: My postal address is: 1703 Mark Lane, Rockville, MD 20852. Zpátky |
