Petr Pavel gets his own day in America’s ‘Czech capital’: Wilber, Nebraska

Czech President Petr Pavel received a city key, honorary membership in a local heritage association and a day named in his honor during a visit to Wilber, Nebraska: the officially designated 'Czech Capital' of the United States.

Hundreds of residents welcomed Pavel with folk costumes, Czech songs, traditional dances and koláče despite heavy rain. Wilber Mayor Roger Chrans proclaimed Sept. 24 “Petr Pavel Day,” marking what locals said was the first visit by a Czech president in the town’s history.

“I rarely get emotional, but in Wilber, which bears the official title of the Czech capital of the USA, it was impossible not to,” Pavel wrote on Facebook.

“Seeing children and entire generations of compatriots proudly wearing Czech folk costumes, singing our songs and keeping Czech traditions alive was one of the most beautiful experiences of the entire trip.”

Wilber has around 2,000 residents and received its official “Czech Capital of the United States” designation from President Ronald Reagan in 1987.

Czech names and symbols remain visible throughout the town. Czech and American flags line its streets, local stores sell koláče, jaternice and other traditional foods, and the Czech motto “Pravda vítězí,” or “Truth prevails,” appears on the town hall.

Residents performed both the American and Czech national anthems during Pavel’s visit. Children and adults in folk costumes danced to Czech songs, including Šla Nanynka do zelí, while a local orchestra provided traditional music.

The president also visited a museum displaying folk costumes and other objects brought to Nebraska by Czech immigrants.

More than 80,000 Nebraska residents reported Czech ancestry in the 2020 U.S. census. With a statewide population of roughly two million, Nebraska has the highest proportion of residents with Czech roots in the country.

The Czech language has become less common among younger generations, but some words and phrases remain in everyday use. Wilber’s annual Czech festival also attracts thousands of visitors for parades, food, music and heritage events.

Pavel’s Nebraska visit also highlighted cooperation extending beyond cultural heritage.

The Czech military has worked with the Nebraska National Guard since 1993, before Czechia joined NATO. The partnership now includes pilot training, logistics, joint exercises and cyber defense.

Pavel said he was surprised to learn that approximately one in five members of the Nebraska National Guard has Czech roots.

During a visit to its base, he inspected military equipment, sat inside a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and received a ceremonial peace pipe from Maj. Gen. Craig Strong. Pavel presented his hosts with a Czech crystal beer mug.

“I appreciate that our partnership has not only been maintained over the years, but continues to bring benefits to both parties,” he said.

The president also visited the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where Czech studies have been taught since 1907. The nearly 120-year-old program is considered the oldest of its kind in the United States.

Representatives from Mendel University, the Czech University of Life Sciences and Anglo-American University accompanied Pavel. Palacký University already has an established partnership with the Nebraska institution.

The two sides discussed additional academic cooperation and exchange programs for Czech and American students. Pavel also spoke with students about Russia, Ukraine and former Czech President Václav Havel.

His visit concluded with talks and a reception hosted by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

The Nebraska stops followed several days of diplomacy in New York surrounding the UN General Assembly. For Pavel, Wilber offered a more personal conclusion to the trip: a look at how Czech identity has survived nearly 8,000 kilometers from Prague.