T. G. Masaryk Czech School Celebrates Mayor Anton Čermák’s 150th Birthday

Date: May 6, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM

To celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the birth of former Chicago mayor, Anton Čermák, whose life was tragically cut short in 1933, when he was shot by an assassin, the T. G. Masaryk Czech School in collaboration with the Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery has planned a special celebration. The event will include speeches by distinguished guests, performance by the award-winning Toronto-based Czech singer and composer, Lenka Lichtenberg, and traditional Czech food and drink. The T. G. Masaryk School children will present a short bilingual program about Mayor Čermák.

Anton Čermák was born on May 9, 1873, in Kladno, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1874. He served as the Mayor of Chicago from 1931 until his tragic death in 1933, during an apparent assassination attempt of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The bullet struck and killed mayor Čermák instead after a bystander hit the gunman with her purse.

A prominent figure in Chicago politics known for his strong leadership and dedication to the city's growth and development, Čermák, an immigrant himself, rose to power uniting other recent arrivals to Chicago, including Czechs, Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, Italians, and African Americans, who began to settle in Chicago in the early 20th Century, but were often underrepresented in local government.

The celebration of Anton Čermák will be held on May 6 at the Bohemian National Cemetery (5255 N Pulaski Rd) and we invite all friends and supporters of our school to join us for this special occasion. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about MayorČermák's life and accomplishments, as well as to celebrate his lasting impact on the city of Chicago and the Czech community.

The program begins at 11:00 AM with a gathering at the Čermák Mausoleum, where attendees will hear remarks from Consul General Jaroslav Kantůrek, Mr. Anton Čermák Kerner, and Ing. Zdeněk Slepička, representing the City of Kladno.

At 11:30 AM, the program will continue at the crematorium/columbarium building.

Finally, at 12:45 PM, refreshments will be served at the gatehouse, and those interested can take part in a BNC tour led by Mr. Chuck Michalek.