30th Anniversary of the Rededication of the Comenius Statue by Václav Havel, former president of Czechoslovakia, will be commemorated at Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA on November 4, 2021.
Václav Havel, who stopped in Bethlehem during his official visit to the US in 1991, admired J. A. Comenius, a Moravian bishop who lived in the 17th century.
During his speech on the occasion of the Rededication ceremony in 1991, Havel mentioned some of Comenius' thoughts, as well as the importance of his teaching during his time. The 1991 Ceremony was to remember the act of dedication of the statue to Moravian University by Charles University in 1960. Havel also mentioned the relationship between Czechoslovakia and Moravian University.
Prof. Radim Palouš, the rector of Charles University in Prague, was also present. The Statue is the work of the renowned Czech sculptor Vincenc Makovský. Another copy of the same statue stands in Naarden in the Netherlands where Comenius, also known as the Teacher of Nations, was burried after his death in 1670, as well as in Uherský Brod in the Czech Republic which is believed to be the birthplace of Comenius.
2021 is an important year as it falls within the framework of the 2020-2022 National celebrations of the anniversaries of J. A. Comenius' birth and death. A special logo has been created by UNESCO in recognition of their significance. Comenius celebrations have been on-going throughout Europe, including exhibitions, international cultural projects, conferences, concerts, etc. Events are coordinated by the Czech National Pedagogical Museum and Library of J. A. Comenius which is proud to co-operate with Moravian University.
To find out more about J. A. Comenius click here.
"The Czech nation is finally free and independent and is aware of the support of the Community of European nations. This statue is a symbol of Comenius' legacy for the future: may all people, regardless of their sex or ethnic origin, both rich and poor, be free to exist, live and work in lasting peace and mutual friendship." (Václav Havel, Bethlehem, 1991)
Preliminary program of the event on November 4th, 2021:
3:30 – 4:00pm
Opening: National Anthem (Neil Wetzel, Martina Barta)
Welcoming remarks: Bryon Grigsby, President, Moravian University
Speech by Arnošt Kareš, Consul General of the Czech Republic in NYC
Havel's vision and Comenius inspiration - remarks by Miroslav Konvalina, Director, Czech Center New York
Moravian University students share a brief statement about the legacy and inspiration of Comenius and Havel, featuring famous quotes of these revolutionary thinkers (directed by Christopher Shorr)
Closing: Music (Neil Wetzel, Martina Barta)
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