ESCONDIDO, Calif., February 23, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- History is not just a place and date. It is made up of people, faces and lives. The 20th century marked a major progress in humanity, both technologically and in terms of human rights. Donald F. Chmelka continues his journey through history as he follows his Czech family in the second volume of a two part epic, Matej's Legacy: A Czech Family's Journey Through the 20th Century (now available through 1stBooks).
In his first book, Matej's Journey to America (also available through 1stBooks), Chmelka traced his family to biblical times and followed it to the beginning of the 20th century. In this volume, the family grows as Henry Ford, the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison and other inventors create a rapidly changing world. The Chmelkas remaining in Czechoslovakia are finally liberated after World War I, but atheistic Communism is born from the ashes, presenting a new threat to world order. Technology churns the Earth in a sensational feeling of jubilation during the "Roaring 20s"; however, the bliss ends as the stock market plummets and the Great Depression brings hardship around the globe.
Chmelka is born on a small Nebraska farm while whirling winds of change stir the world into the frenzy of World War II. As Matej's Legacy continues, world events of the past 62 years are integrated into the American dream life of the author, progressing from farm boy to engineer and executive in the automotive and aerospace industries. From Korea, Vietnam and the fall of Communism, to Yugoslavia and current conflicts of terror in the Middle East and Africa, Chmelka weaves his family's battle to survive and thrive into the tapestry of history. This book is an astonishing account of the past 100 years with a human face and a testament to the immigrants who birthed America with their blood, sweat and tears. It also gives credence to the adage that history is a great teacher in understanding and solving current issues.
After a hectic career bouncing around the country for 34 years while raising three children, Chmelka retired as a corporate president and became an author. He now lives with his wife in Escondido, Calif.
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