DVÁCATÝOSMÝ ŘÍJEN
Projev Br. Richarda Morawetze
[
Now we
have Mr. Richard Morawetz and Mrs. Morawetz. Mr. Richard Morawetz is definitely
in Canada the only one who was a very good friend with late President Masaryk.
Now I am calling on Mr. Richard Morawetz to come to the microphone.]
Honourable
Paul Martin, Your Honour, Mr. Curry and Mrs. Curry, Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Campbell,
Dear Friends, I am deeply moved by all the encouraging words which we have heard from the honourable
Mr. Martin, and particularly also what he said about Jan Masaryk as I was a friend of
Jan Masaryk for several decades and I loved him very much and considered him one of the greatest
democrats of his time.
You will believe
me when I say that on this occasion I remember not only the great day
of liberation on the 28th day of October, 1918, when I was in Prague, but I remember also
the sad events which followed and which forced many of us to leave the country. No words
can describe the sorrow of our hearts when we came to this decision, but we also have not
forgotten what every kind word, every smile, and every handshake meant to
us under these conditions. We are deeply indebted for all the kindheartedness
and understanding expressed by many of you to encourage us as we stood on the threshold
of a new life. And now we are happy to say that we are Canadians, loyal and reliable
citizens of this country. We have admired the democracy of this country, the democracy
which we were taught by our great Thomas Masaryk. We have found here a new home, and many
good friends. I cannot express my feelings in any other words so well as
"God save Canada!"
[
Now
you will understand that we didn't forget the country of our birth. How could we
forget this paradise on earth, this country where we were born, where we lived
through all the happy years of our youth, and where our ancestors are buried. We
also cherish our old language and so ladies and gentleman, I hope you won't mind
if I now address my old friends of Czechoslovakian ancestry in our mother
tongue.]
