Georgetown University celebrated Václav Havel, the late first president of the Czech Republic, by dedicating a place on campus in his memory. Havel was also well known for his work as a playwright and human rights advocate.
Havel resisted communism and acted as a dissident during the Czechoslovakia revolution, becoming president after the conclusion of the Velvet Revolution in December of 1989. Under Havel the Czech Republic joined NATO. His passion for human rights showed in his research as well as him time spent chairing the international council of the Human Rights Foundation. Havel’s most famous quote was also a message he strongly believed in, “Truth and love must triumph over lies and death.” Havel lived by this saying and his belief in tackling problems that he saw in his home country is evident in the actions he took to bring democracy back to the Czech Republic.
Havel, a lover of literature and knowledge, was a playwright in his early life who reflected many of the problems he saw in the communist and totalitarian regimes in his works which are still celebrated to this day.
Georgetown celebrated Havel’s memory by inviting a few people who knew him well to sit in on a panel and discuss his legacy as well as answer guest’s questions. The panel included Former Secretary of State and longtime friend of Havel’s Madeline Albright, Havel’s former advisor Monsignor Tomáš Halík, and student activist during the Velvet Revolution Mr.Šimon Pánek. The moderator was director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and Eastern European Studies Dr. Angela Stent. The group shared fond memories of Havel and emphasized his passion for democracy, freedom, human rights, and the arts.
When the panel was asked about which of Havel’s lessons can be used to fix the struggling United States government, especially now during a time of tension between parties in light of the government shutdown Madeline Albright noted that compromise has been forgotten. She asserted that in order to move forward in this country, as well as in other political systems, it is critical to have a population that will listen to each other.
When asked about how continue the legacy of Havel, Albright replied that it is critical to understand his moral and ethical standards, the importance and role of the individual, and also learning from Havel’s humble attitude.
Havel was also known for being a great proponent of students and young people; Mr. Simon Pánek confirmed this and gave a message to all the students attending the event. “Be engaged and care! Do things you believe in, even without immediate results [gratification]”.
After the commemoration event in Georgetown’s Healy Hall, speakers and guests adjourned to Václav Havel’s Place, a spot in Alumni Square, for the official dedication and ribbon cutting. The memorial has the national tree of the Czech Republic, the linden tree. Surrounding the tree is a seating area with two chairs. This is meant to be a spot for “open conversation” and enlightenment through the discussion of ideas.
The remembrance of Vaclav Havel comes at a time of strife, not only in the United States government, but conflicts all over the world that are fueled by anger, pride, and the pursuit of power. If Havel were alive today he would surely remind us all that “Truth and love must triumph over lies and death”.
Photo Credit: Michal Reiter
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Vaclav Havel’s Legacy Gives Lessons for the Future
October 5, 2013
Georgetown University celebrated Václav Havel, the late first president of the Czech Republic, by dedicating a place on campus in his memory. Havel was also well known for his work as a playwright and human rights advocate.
Havel resisted communism and acted as a dissident during the Czechoslovakia revolution, becoming president after the conclusion of the Velvet Revolution in December of 1989. Under Havel the Czech Republic joined NATO. His passion for human rights showed in his research as well as him time spent chairing the international council of the Human Rights Foundation. Havel’s most famous quote was also a message he strongly believed in, “Truth and love must triumph over lies and death.” Havel lived by this saying and his belief in tackling problems that he saw in his home country is evident in the actions he took to bring democracy back to the Czech Republic.
Havel, a lover of literature and knowledge, was a playwright in his early life who reflected many of the problems he saw in the communist and totalitarian regimes in his works which are still celebrated to this day.
Georgetown celebrated Havel’s memory by inviting a few people who knew him well to sit in on a panel and discuss his legacy as well as answer guest’s questions. The panel included Former Secretary of State and longtime friend of Havel’s Madeline Albright, Havel’s former advisor Monsignor Tomáš Halík, and student activist during the Velvet Revolution Mr.Šimon Pánek. The moderator was director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and Eastern European Studies Dr. Angela Stent. The group shared fond memories of Havel and emphasized his passion for democracy, freedom, human rights, and the arts.
When the panel was asked about which of Havel’s lessons can be used to fix the struggling United States government, especially now during a time of tension between parties in light of the government shutdown Madeline Albright noted that compromise has been forgotten. She asserted that in order to move forward in this country, as well as in other political systems, it is critical to have a population that will listen to each other.
When asked about how continue the legacy of Havel, Albright replied that it is critical to understand his moral and ethical standards, the importance and role of the individual, and also learning from Havel’s humble attitude.
Havel was also known for being a great proponent of students and young people; Mr. Simon Pánek confirmed this and gave a message to all the students attending the event. “Be engaged and care! Do things you believe in, even without immediate results [gratification]”.
After the commemoration event in Georgetown’s Healy Hall, speakers and guests adjourned to Václav Havel’s Place, a spot in Alumni Square, for the official dedication and ribbon cutting. The memorial has the national tree of the Czech Republic, the linden tree. Surrounding the tree is a seating area with two chairs. This is meant to be a spot for “open conversation” and enlightenment through the discussion of ideas.
The remembrance of Vaclav Havel comes at a time of strife, not only in the United States government, but conflicts all over the world that are fueled by anger, pride, and the pursuit of power. If Havel were alive today he would surely remind us all that “Truth and love must triumph over lies and death”.
Photo Credit: Michal Reiter
