President Pavel’s Flight to UN General Assembly: A Meeting of Historical Significance

President Pavel’s Flight to UN General Assembly: A Meeting of Historical Significance

A Symbolic Journey

In a historical moment that signifies the close relationships and mutual respect between the President, his advisor, and a figure of historical significance, President Petr Pavel is set to journey to New York for the UN General Assembly. Joining him in this major event is none other than Jana Kánská, the daughter of Milada Horáková, a democratic heroine and champion of women’s rights, who was the only woman executed on the basis of fabricated charges of conspiracy and treason in a political show trial by the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia in 1950.

The decision to include Kánská in the delegation was last-minute. Kánská, a long-term resident of the United States, was visiting the Czech Republic and was supposed to return to the US on September 14. However, she decided to postpone her departure when invited to join President Pavel’s delegation.

A Pleasant Encounter

Kánská was visiting the presidential advisor, Petr Kolář, at his summer cottage during the weekend when the offer was made. Both Kánská and President Pavel were eager to accept the arrangement, as they had narrowly missed meeting each other in Prague. President Pavel had intended to personally express his gratitude to Kánská for her support during his presidential campaign.

The presidential advisor described the meeting between President Pavel and Kánská as “very pleasant and moving”, with the two engaging in a lengthy conversation. Upon landing in New York, Kánská plans to head directly to Bethesda in Maryland, where she resides.

Milada Horáková: A Legacy Remembered

Milada Horáková is remembered for her passionate fight for democratic values and women’s rights. Her life story has been powerfully depicted in the critically acclaimed film “Milada” by director David Mrnka. The film tells the story of a democratic heroine who survived imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps, only to be arrested and executed by the communists in 1950.

The film has been screened across the globe, with a particularly memorable premiere hosted at the Landmark Cinema by the Embassy of the Czech Republic. The event saw the presence of Jana Kánská, director David Mrnka, and composer Drew Alan. They commemorated the 28th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, another significant historical event in Czech history.

A Mother’s Legacy

In the hours before her execution, Horáková wrote ten letters addressed to her loved ones, providing them with words of courage and love, and urging them to stay strong. She displayed remarkable dignity in the face of a tragic fate, a testament to her steadfast belief in her cause and her love for her family.

Her legacy continues to inspire many, not only in the Czech Republic but also around the world. The inclusion of her daughter Jana Kánská in President Pavel’s delegation is a testament to the enduring impact of Horáková’s legacy and the deep respect that the Czech Republic has for its historical figures.