Hoyer Statement on Bust Dedication Ceremony for Former Czech President Václav Havel

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after attending a bust dedication ceremony for former Czech President Václav Havel:

“I was proud to be on hand today for the dedication of a bust of former Czech President Václav Havel in the U.S. Capitol building.  President Havel was an extraordinary leader of his people and a moral voice for freedom and human rights in the Cold War and post-Cold War era.  It is very fitting that his likeness will join those of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Hungarian freedom fighter Lajos Kossuth in the Capitol building, where we celebrate heroes who stood up for democracy against the forces of autocracy and totalitarianism.  It is my hope that Mr. Havel’s legacy will continue to inspire leaders and nations to embrace individual liberty, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.” 

Click here here to read Whip Hoyer’s extended statement, submitted into the Congressional Record today, on President Havel’s legacy and the contrast between his inspiring leadership and the repressive, anti-democratic actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.