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First astronomical clock tower in United States dedicated in Cedar Rapids by Czech, Slovak presidents
Prague-style orloj symbolizes enduring ties as only one in North America
Sep. 27, 2024 4:45 pm, Updated: Sep. 27, 2024 9:23 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS — With Czech and Slovak dignitaries and hundreds of visitors in attendance, Friday’s clock tower dedication near the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library’s cul-de-sac was a full circle moment.
Nearly 30 years after President Bill Clinton, Czech President Václav Havel and Slovak President Michal Kovac visited the museum for a dedication in 1995, their modern counterparts returned Friday to dedicate the only Prague-style astronomical clock — called an orloj — in the United States.
The Buresh Immigration Clock Tower at the corner of Inspiration Place and 16th Avenue SW, playing its new features for the first time Friday afternoon, was transformed into an orloj after flood and derecho damage. The renovation, designed to complete the original vision for the 61-foot tower built in 1995, adds 12 figurines that rotate on the hour to the music of Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana.
For leaders of the museum and multiple heads of state gathered, the tower symbolized the strength of the bonds between three countries and the value of their enduring friendships.
“To me, this is like a beacon, it’s not just a tower,” said Dalibor Mikulas, vice president and COO of the museum and library.
Touching on themes of immigration, freedom and democracy, he said the tower’s 12 figurines display the legacy of Czech and Slovak immigration to Cedar Rapids. While the figurines in the Prague orloj are the 12 apostles, Cedar Rapids’ orloj displays sculptures of a farmer, bee keeper, coal miner, meat-packer and more — all representing professions traditional to Czech and Slovak immigrants in the United States.
After surviving natural disasters, the tower is a fitting tribute to the contributions Czech and Slovak immigrants have made to Iowa’s economy and culture over the years, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said. She noted that Cedar Rapids is home to more people of Czech and Slovak heritage than any other city in the world, outside of Prague.
“To me, that reflects a level of perseverance and dedication worthy of the immigrants who first made their home here,” Reynolds said. “Clearly, the legacy of those first courageous immigrants remains alive and well in our state, as does our appreciation for their native countries and the democratic ideals that form the basis of our peoples’ enduring bond.”
The $1.6 million project, funded entirely through contributions, was made possible thanks to a $250,000 down payment from retired banker and philanthropist Ernie Buresh before his death in 2022.
Buresh was a driving force behind the clock tower’s inception in 1995. With his gift in 2022, the tower was renamed the Buresh Immigration Tower.
On its south side, a dog statue sits where a rooster would be on the tower’s Prague counterpart.
“It was Ernie’s dream, I’m just so sorry he’s not here,” said his wife, Joanne Buresh, noting Ernie’s love of dogs. “It’s wonderfully done.”
Starting in the 1850s, immigrants from the historical lands of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia fled Austrian persecution. In later waves of the 20th century, they came to escape war, totalitarianism and communism.
Amplifying the city’s slogan, “Welcome is our Language,” Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said the orloj is poised to become a major attraction demonstrating the importance of international relationships and cultural exchanges. The City of Cedar Rapids contributed $50,000 to the project.
“More than just a time piece, it is a storyteller, sharing the story of our Czech and Slovak immigrants who had the courage to journey to Cedar Rapids and build their American dream here,” said O’Donnell.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said the United States has played an integral role in the creation of the modern, independent and democratic Czech and Slovak states.
“Slovakia is grateful to the United States for being a new home to many of our compatriots and for embracing diversity,” Pellegrini said. “Please always carry your regional homelands in your minds and hearts as we carry you in ours.”
Thanking the late Czech-American diplomat Madeleine Albright and former President Bill Clinton, Czech President Petr Pavel said it’s “up to us to carry on their legacy.”
“We should never forget where we came from, but above all, we all should look at and build a better future,” he said.
The clock tower is one of eight like it around the world, and the only one in North America.
“This clock tower will be a calling to everyone who is in Cedar Rapids,” said Cecilia Rokusek, president and CEO of the museum. “We know it will be a source of pride, a source of love, and most importantly, a source of world understanding for all.”
Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.
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