Czech Consul: Book of Condolences for Václav Havel
A Book of Condolence for former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel will be opened at the Czech Honorary Consul Office, Sokol Hall (CSPS) 385 Michigan St., St Paul, MN on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Anyone who would wish to send a condolence, but is unable to get to the Honorary Consul Office can e-mail their message to me and I will include it with the Book that I will be sending to the Czech Embassy in Washington D.C. My email address is: vanasek@bevcomm.net
“He was the most famous Czech, recognized all over the world. Unfortunately, he was more welcome and revered abroad than at home. Though a modest and shy man, he stood his ground when meeting and dealing with the world’s most powerful people. I only hope that at least now we will realize what a man we had in our fellow citizen, and will look up to him as an example.” Karel Schwarzenberg
I am deeply touched by the kind words and floral tributes from many Americans who are expressing their compassion with the Czech nation mourning the loss of a man of great courage and profound wisdom. President Havel was not only one of the greatest Czechs of our times but also a true European visionary who has always kept very close to his heart our friends and compatriots in the United States. Though he will be sorely missed, the legacy of his respect for human rights and fight for democracy shall prevail.” Czech Ambassador to the United States Petr Gandalovic
Robert Vanasek
Honorary Consul, Czech Republic
We are a non-profit organization, serving as resource for Minnesotans interested in Central Europe and as point of contact for people from Czech and Slovak Republics. 
We Americans of Czech descent and members of Sokol Minnesota join in mourning the death of a great and courageous patriot, former President Vaclav Havel. President Havel was a visionary for tolerance and peace in the world and a catalyst for change that resulted in the true reunion of Czech families worldwide. We fondly recall his 1999 visit to Saint Paul for the first, Vaclav Havel Civil Society Symposium.
1May he rest in peace.
Odpocivat v pokoji nas hrdina.
Albert F. Imbrone and Libuse Rybnicek Imbrone
Please add me to the enormous list of people from around the world who are expresisng their most deeply held sorrows at the passing of Vaclav Havel. As student leader on the then Czechoslovakia I managed to escape almost immediately after the communist putch with the understanding that their coup would not last long, that the country of Masaryk and Benes would not allow them to seize power for long, and that we shall return soon. When that was not happening, many of us began to feel betrayed by our own people and felt that our countrymen actually acceded to the new regime and tacitly or openly supported it. News from the then Czechoslovakia supported our belief and demoralized our entire generation. Many of us tried to avoid questions where we are from, because of fear that we would have to answer the question of why the Czechs and Slovak, such democratically oriented people, accepted Communism so willingly and agreeably. Vaclav Havel has made us proud again to be Czechs and Slovaks and his work has enlisted many supporters and enthusiasts. When we had an opportunity to invite him to the Twin Cities, it became the highlight of our days. The entire community – not just people of Czech and Slovak background, welcomed him and his wife and shared his thoughts and ideas. I am fortunate to own the seven volume edititon of collected work’s by Vaclav Havel and often refer to them in my own speeches and presentations. The most cited one is the Power of the Powerless that shows such insight into the psychology, sociology, anthropology and politics of the minds of people who lived under communism, that it has earned the honor of being the most cited work in social and behavioral sciences. Single handed, from my study of authoritarian regimes, I have come to the conclusion that it was precisely Havel who took the sails from the communist winds because he proved them that they can no longer rule by fear because people – like Havel and many of his associates – have no longer feared. Following the visit of Vaclav Havel to Minnesota, we have established the Czech and Slovak Cultural Center that has dedicated itself to promote the ideas that Havel championed, and to help at least on the local; level create conditions for improved understanding and knowledge among the people of Minnesota with the people of the Czech Republic. His life’s work has reinforced our commitment to democracy and freedom and will mark his passing with renewed passion to follow in his steps. We are again indeed proud to be Czechs.
Josef A. Mestenhauser
2Dinstinguished International Professor Emeritus
University of Minnesota
and formerly Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic from 1988-2008.
Professor Mestenhauser’s comment is a very powerful one. I very much appreciate the account of his experience. I was a high school student in the Czech Republic, in Kolin, during the time of the Velvet Revolution. I participated in underground activities and in rallies that Vaclav Havel led. When I learned that Vaclav Havel died, I felt that the new Czech Republic I new and that gave me freedom to come to the US and other wonderful parts of the world has changed. Now I feel that it is up to all of us to carry that legacy of great energy for freedom and responsibility for a democratic and peaceful world.
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