The Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences

Spolecnost pro vedy a umeni Spolocnost pre vedy a umenia

Be it Known to you by these Presents that The President and Executive Board of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU) does extend to

His Excellency Martin Butora and Dr. Zora Butorova

recognition and gratitude for their outstanding efforts to strengthen the ties between the Slovak Republic and the United States of America.

They have consistently worked to further the aims of SVU and to enrich the cooperation between the members of SVU, at home and abroad during Martin Butora's tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America.

In gratitude, the Executive Board of SVU has caused this Certificate to be issued this 26th of April in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three.

In witness thereof, the signature of the President of the Society has been hereunto affixed in the City of Washington in the District of Columbia.

Miloslav Rechcigl, Jr., Ph.D. SVU President

Tribute to Ambassador Butora and Dr. Zora Butorova

Dear Friends:

As you know, the tenure of Slovak Ambassador Martin Butora and his lovely wife Dr. Zora Butorova is rapidly coming to an end. We feel this is the right place and the right time to express our appreciation to them for all they have done during their sojourn in the US.

I am sure that all of you will agree with me, thanks to the Butoras, Slovakia has been placed on the world map. They have made everybody feel at home at their chancery, as well as at their residence in McLean, VA. As a rule, they awaited every visitor in front of their house and individually welcomed every one of them to make him or her feel that they are the most important persons among the invited guests. They would then proceed to discuss with you some personal matter or item that would be of special interest to you. This always had all the elements of sincerity and not just a diplomatic brush.

The Butoras have truly brightened the Washington diplomatic scene in which they have had no rivals. Frankly, the new Slovak Republic could hardly have better official spokesmen and I doubt they ever will.

Martin Butora and Dr. Zora Butorova, both of whom have been active SVU members for a number of years, have been our Society's close friends and collaborators. They were always there when we needed them and frequently have come forward, not just with advice, but also with their own initiative.

Apart from putting Slovakia on the international pedestal of the closest American allies and establisblitg the best relations with the United States, in my opinion, the Butoras' greatest contributions have been in fostering close ties with the Czech Republic and with the Czechs, generally. This is the reason why the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences selected the premises of the Czech Embassy for making this presentation.

Miloslav Rechcigl, Jr., Ph.D., SVU President Washington, DC April 26, 2003

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