Friendship Table sculpture dedication Sept. 23
New public art is coming to downtown which honors the deep cultural connection between Two Rivers and the city of Domazlice in the Czech Republic. The Friendship Table, created by artist Václav Fiala (b. 1955), contains design elements from his World War II monument that resides in Domažlice. A formal dedication is scheduled 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23.
Many local residents can trace their lineage back to Domažlice and the surrounding countryside. Two Rivers lies within the largest concentration of 19th Century Czech immigrants who settled in the state of Wisconsin.
Lieutenant Colonel Matt Konop of Two Rivers was the commander of the Army's advance party that liberated Domažlice from the Nazis in 1945, and to the townspeople's utter amazement, could speak fluently with them due to his own Czech heritage.
The sculpture will be installed just steps from a bronze plaque on City Hall recognizing Konop for his heroics. A casting of this plaque is also permanently displayed in the main square of Domažlice.
Read the City of Two Rivers resolution regarding The Friendship Table.
