The Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic, Raymond Snokhous, presented the "Czernin Palace" Memorial Medal and Certificate  to  SPJST  Lodge  88, Houston member Marvin J. Marek at the Texas Czech Heritage Center Czech Christmas Choir Concert in December 2007. Mr. Marek was recognized for this award by Petr Kolar, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States, to express gratitude to Marvin  J. Marek for his sigificant contributions in preserving and promoting relations between the United States of America and the Czech Republic.

    In Prague,Czech Republic, the Czernin Palace houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Foreign Ministry gives several awards for various forms of achievement on behalf of the Czech Republic; however, this award is specifically directed at Czech-American relations. The award is an honor given to a individual that has made significant contributions to fostering Czech 0 American relations.
    Marvin is currently second vice president of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center.  He has served as a director for several years and coordinated the restoration of the Kalich House Visitors' Center.  He continues to serve as a director. He is on the Site Committee and is chairman of the Development Committee.  His dedication to promote Czech Heritage is known statewide for he has been active in Czech-founded organizations for many years.