Resolution of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts & Sciences (SVU) On the Occasion of its Forty-third Annual Meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, August 3rd, 2001 The Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences

Holding its forty-third annual meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, in the year of 200l, it continues to reaffirm the principles of “The Czech and Slovak Legacy in America and Preservation of Heritage with the Accent on Youth.” Thus, it resolves the following:

Whereas: The Czech and Slovak legacy is important to Nebraska and the Americas, and

Whereas: The Czech and Slovak Heritage continues to be a strong motivation for culture and traditions, and

Whereas: The Czech and Slovak youth is involved in important ethnic, workshops, leadership and social activities, and

Whereas: Above all, the Society's goals are the enhancement of human values and ethical principles.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Czechs and Slovaks are bound together in many ways. We are tied together by ancestral relationships and the pride of continuing the legacy of traditions and culture. We are known for independence and innovations to further our worth in society. In Nebraska there is a strong togetherness rather than a oneness which should be strived for everywhere in America. It exemplifies the strong belief in traditions of working together for legacy preservation. Our ethnicity has been important to the Americas for development from immigration days to our current economic existence. We endeavor to be constructive and committed to a betterment of America as a society with principles of a democratic culture. The “Velvet Revolution” was the beginning of human rights and freedom from human oppression and the Czech and Slovak love of freedom thus cannot be conquered or extinguished.

2. The importance of preserving our rich heritage needs to be passed on to individuals, families, businesses and organizations for future generations. Such support comes from the study of Czech and Slovak language, music, fine arts, dance and educational activities for the benefit of all Czech and Slovaks. Pride of heritage is displayed throughout Nebraska and the Americas by various festivals and celebrations, which have been passed down from generation to generation. With our many contributions, we need to let the world know of our heritage pride. This heritage is being kept alive to reinvigorate the present and to give us confidence for the future.

3. An important criterion for the preservation of this legacy, heritage and cultural tradition lies in our Czech and Slovak youth. We must cultivate youth resources to strengthen our future existence. Conveying our knowledge of history and ideology to youth as ambassadors of their ancestry is an important tool of promoting culture among Czechs and Slovaks and society as a whole. Encouraging youth to study their Czech and Slovak roots directs them towards leadership and participation in future “youth movements” of heritage, culture and tradition growth. Let us exemplify youth as our future of someone special who will carry on strong ethnic identity as vibrant threads in America’s tapestry. 4. The preservation of heritage and culture are foremost among the SVU goals. The organization supports the revitalization of Czech and Slovak communities in North America to maintain the framework of shared cultural and civil space.

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE SVU:

ENDEAVOR, to enhance and strengthen relationships of Czech and Slovak heritage worldwide

AFFIRM, our ancestral connections with worldwide Czech and Slovak friends and communities

PURSUE, all means to preserve Czech and Slovak historical artifacts and records for worldwide observation

URGE, intensive programs to reflect the wit and wisdom philosophy and the heritage of Honesty and Strength

DEVOTE, ourselves towards continuing peaceful society achievement so that our Czech and Slovak tradition continues to enrich North America and worldwide.

Approved by SVU General Assembly on August 3, 2001

Miloslav Rechcigl SVU President

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