Passing of Vaclav Havel
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCDecember 18, 2011
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vaclav Havel, the Czech Republic’s first democratically elected president and leader of the Velvet Revolution. His death is a loss for the Czech Republic and for human rights defenders around the world. He was an inspiration to me and I was proud to call him a friend.
He once said that his hope was for history to remember him as having done something useful. President Havel spent his life removing chains of oppression, standing up for the downtrodden, and advancing the tenets of democracy and freedom. When communism threatened the peace and prosperity of our world and covered Eastern Europe in a cloud of hopelessness, he wrote plays so powerful they changed the course of history and created new democratic opportunities for millions. And when the people of the Czech Republic were finally allowed to express themselves freely, they overwhelmingly chose a man who never wanted to be in politics.
He did something more than useful – he did something extraordinary, and history will remember it. Today, a black flag hangs over the Prague castle in honor of his life and commitment to a better world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of the Czech Republic, and all those who are committed to advancing human rights.
Hillary Clinton: The Passing of Vaclav Havel
December 18, 2011 by still4hill
He was a great man. His art was a means to lead.
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There is also a joint statement released by the Secretary and former president Clinton.
http://www.clintonfoundation.org/news/news-media/statement-by-president-and-secretary-clinton-on-the-passing-of-vaclav-havel
I also have some photos to share. These were taken in 98 in the midst of the whole impeachment thing and it seems like he brought a much needed breath of fresh air to the White House when he visited. I could be wrong, but I think this is supposed to be dancing.
I’m not sure which one of them is having more fun.
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Thank you! So CUTE!!!!
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I love these pictures.
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They’re adorable! They make a great tribute.
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Where did you find those pics? LOL!!! They look like they were having a rolling good time.
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Fun pictures!
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