America News Agency

Czech President Pavel announced that the independent Czechoslovak State was founded exactly 106 years ago.

Pavel noted that this would not have been possible without the determination and courage of those he honored at the majestic Pieta memorial in Vitkov, and he said:

“Democracy and freedom do not appear spontaneously; they must be respected and defended. Therefore, it was an honor for me to receive the rank and promotion for eight generals.”

Pavel added: “A reminder of the values on which our state was founded would not be complete without mentioning the founder and first president of the Czechoslovak Republic, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk.”