History

An American Voice of Support

The American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR) was founded to educate government leaders, media and other opinion makers across America about the goals and aspirations of the Czech people. AFoCR fosters closer ties between the United States and the Czech Republic in the areas of business, trade, security, culture, law reform, and education. Since its founding in 1995, AFoCR has been the voice of the American constituency that supports the Czech Republic.

AFoCR sponsors events and special projects that promote interest in the Czech Republic and facilitates programs in a variety of fields. In 1998, AFoCR chaired the Executive Committee that coordinated the 80th anniversary celebration of the creation of Czechoslovakia. In 1999, it coordinated the 10th anniversary celebration of the Velet Revolution in Washington. Other noteworthy programs sponsored by AFoCR include the first Civil Society Award Dinner, which was held in New York City in 2000 and honored Secretary of State Madeleine Albright,. In 2002 the Masaryk Memorial in Washington, D.C., built by AFoCR,was dedicated by Czech President Vaclav Havel.

AFoCR has advocated for Czech admission to the key instituations that assure security and partnership with the western democracies, most notably NATO and the European Union. Other important AFoCR initiatives and contributions include relief and grants to deal with the 2002 floods and recognition of Sir Nicholas Winton’s heroic efforts during World War II. In 2007 AFoCR began working with the City of Prague to rebuild the monument to President Woodrow Wilson that was established in 1928 but torn down by the Nazis in 1941.