Dear colleagues, friends, comrades-in-arms and supporters of history,

It is with sadness and bitterness that I must react to a serious intervention statement issued by organising team 1620 Road to Defeat and sent to the address of civic association Knights of the Czech Crown (RKC).Before I state our position and the number of half-truths, I would like to begin by explaining who the RKC is.

RKC was established 30 years ago as a registered association of swordsmen and friends of history. It has taken part in hundreds of medium and large scale events across Europe. RKC partners with Bila Hora 1620 Association established 17 years ago. Together, we have been preparing historical reconstructions of the Battle of White Mountain (BH) and other events for 16 years.

BH was first prepared 17 years ago at the historical mound in Prague and was subsequently carried out with the support of Prague 6. The name BH 1620 began there and our efforts were to culminate in 2020, the 400th anniversary of the Battle of White Mountain. Our beginnings were extremely difficult but thanks to our own personal investments in the project and Prague 6 waiving regular fees, we were able to deliver this project to the public. About 10 years later, we became Prague 6’s main partner.

This long-term partnership was to culminate in 2020 with the 400th anniversary of the Battle of White Mountain.

In June 2019, our project for the 400th anniversary included complete collaboration with Prague 6 and Prague City Hall. It consisted of lectures, a procession, historical reconstruction of the battle and assistance with worship (erection of the Cross of Reconciliation). In January 2020, project details were fine-tuned and on February 27, 2020, it was presented at a press conference as a main event in Prague 6.
In May, we were invited by Prague Town Hall to consult over another project by 1620 Road to Defeat which was the historical reconstruction of the Battle of Rakovnik and the subsequent transfer of units to BH on 6-7 November.
The question arose as to how best to approach this project which, as is often the case, was to occur around the same time as BH. Our reaction was correct in that we recommended this interesting project.

At the end of July, I called Ladislav Rytir with an offer of cooperation to connect the two projects, their troops, commanders and even spectators. I said I liked his project and that I thought this was an interesting opportunity. I mentioned that his equipment code was quite strict and did not give younger, perhaps poorer, fighters a chance to participate. And that with all due respect, for me 32 years ago it was all about inspiring others without necessarily restricting them. He told me in a friendly manner that everything had already been organised and no help was needed.

In a somewhat extremely complex and exhausting state of events, with the help of all units and friends of BH, the historical procession and battle were realised.

On Thursday, 24 September, a meeting was held in Prague 6 attended by city representatives, church representatives, Benedictine Sisters, Charles University and National Museum representatives Prof. M. Koldinska, Ing. M. Sykora (BH 1620), M. Cholinsky (RKC) and L. Rytir. The introductory performance was followed by a recapitulation of plans. I was a little taken aback when L. Rytir stated some permissions for the movement of units over land had not yet been obtained and that participation would not be as massive as originally promised. Then we took part in a worship service during which RKC provided technical solutions (sound, torches, lights, fire baskets, etc.). L. Rytir was silent during this event. Perhaps it was simply all too much in these challenging times.

And then suddenly, after more than a week, came a statement from 1620 Road to Defeat criticising the actions of RKC. This was quite disappointing.

For those who have gotten lost in this text, RKC and Bila Hora 1620 Association have been organising events around the Battle of White Mountain (BH) for 16 years.

Prague 6, the Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic, and Prague City Hall are the main organisers of the 400th anniversary which includes worship at the historical mound in Prague.

RKC only provide technical solutions during the worship service but out of respect for 16 years of collaboration, RKC are honorary participants in the worship service and erection of the cross.

RKC have nothing against the participation of other groups or individuals in these events. On the contrary, their participation is welcome. RKC supports the Battle of Rakovnik project and other events.

Finally, for those who have read this far, we have been meeting on White Mountain of our own free will for years, and in the past 5 years always on November 8. So, we would just like to express that we do not wish to restrict anyone. On the contrary, we aim to support all those interested and we do not wish to compete with anyone. History is here for all and should serve as a timely lesson to all of us.

Regards,
M. Cholinsky – I took on this responsibility on behalf of RKC and BH 1620.
A small note about me – those interested in history should seek a common path, not a divisive one.