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This year, the Czech Republic celebrates 30 years since its establishment. The period of three decades of continuous sovereignty, freedom and democracy is completely unprecedented in modern Czech history. Historically highest security guarantees, based on transatlantic ties and membership in the European Union, are undoubtedly an important factor for achieving this milestone.
On the occasion of this anniversary, a ceremony took place on June 20, 2023 in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle under the auspices of the President of the Republic. The purpose of the ceremony was to commemorate the thirty years of the democratic and successful Czech Republic with dignity and to mention in the context of Czech history the importance of security as a basic prerequisite for its continuation.
Representatives of the wider society were invited to the ceremony, including the highest constitutional officials, members of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, the diplomatic corps, representatives of the security forces and components of the Integrated Rescue System, churches, the academic and cultural spheres.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavl and his wife Eva Pavlova to the sound of fanfare from the Libuše opera.
This was followed by a foreword by the historian reader Jakub Rákosník and the national anthem of the Czech Republic. Then the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, gave their speeches. The performance of the Castle Guard Band was followed by a speech of the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, Lt. Gen. Karel Řehka.
The programme finished with a speech by Martin Wichterle, the owner of the Wikow Industry holding, on the topic of the relationship between economic prosperity, industry and security.
The programme of the ceremony was conducted by Martin Jonáš, presenter of Czech Television.
You can find the recording in the archive of the Czech television.
After the official end of the programme, the guests moved from the Spanish Hall to the Rudolf Gallery for a glass of wine with the highest state representatives. The toast was given by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and the Chairman of the Jagello 2000 Association, Zbyněk Pavlačík.
Arrival of the President of the Czech Republic
/Fanfare from the opera Libuše/
Foreword to the 30th anniversary of the Czech Republic
reader Jakub Rákosník, historian
The national athem of the Czech Republic
Speech by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel
Speech by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala
Performance of The Castle Guard Band
Speech by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic,
Lt. Gen. Karel Řehka
The relationship between economic prosperity, industry and security
Martin Wichterle, owner of Wikov Industry holding
The programme was hosted by Martin Jonáš, Czech Television presenter.
It is be possible to watch the ceremony in the archive of the Czech Television.