President Klaus marks foundation of independent Czechoslovakia

As has become tradition for every seated Czech head of state, President Vaclav Klaus marked October 28th with several events. At Lany, near Prague, Mr Klaus laid a wreath at the grave of Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, the founder and first president of Czechoslovakia. The Czech President also received foreign diplomats.

At a ceremony at Prague Castle on Saturday evening, President Klaus will award state honours and medals of bravery to over twenty personalities. Though it has not been revealed who will receive the state distinctions, it is believed that they will include cross-country skier Katerina Neumannova, Chairwoman of the Confederation of Political Prisoners Nadezda Kavalirova, football legend Josef Masopust, and actress Iva Janzurova.