I.R.G. Memoriae

The aim of this research was multi-faceted with a focus on the historical person of IRG. IRG is the author’s late grandfather, who served as the pivotal point for the genealogical research in the twentieth century on the territory of contemporary Slovakia. The research collected partial genealogical data about IRG's family in the U.S.A. from the beginning of the 20th century, which was analysed on the basis of temporal records. Subsequently, the research utilised the services of a renowned experts for the transcription and contextualisation of diaries from the Slovak national uprising, which were authored by IRG during his active participation. The research also used the principles of freedom to information requests to consult the CIA and StB archives in order to shed light on the little-known aspects of IRG’s diplomatic career. These approaches revealed the tactics of StB that abused the diplomatic function of the state towards countries, which housed the representative embassies of CSSR. The research within would have been significantly improved if the CIA archives were equally forthcoming with detailed information regarding its activities as the StB archives which are obliged to do so by law. A selection of documents from the CIA and StB are also among the appendices to this study. There is also an appendix containing historical photographs of IRG's family, which is, for the purposes of clarity, contextualised in connection to IRG. The main value of this research is for the IRG's family, its descendants, affiliates, but also researchers interested in clarifying historical nuances. The conclusions of this research also have a moral character. The author concludes his reflection on the meaning of personal legacy by comparing his own conception of the word “honor” (i.e., internal disposition) with “fama” (i.e., the pursuit of societal enthusiasm).