WACO, Texas (AP) - Baylor University President Ken Starr is honoring the Czech heritage of the tiny Texas town where a fertilizer plant explosion killed at least 14 people.
Starr spoke Thursday at a memorial service for 10 first responders and two honorary responders who died in last week's explosion in West. He mentioned how Texans knew to "check in to the Czech Inn" or stop along Interstate 35 to buy kolaches from the Czech Stop bakery.
Immigrants from the Czech Republic settled in Texas more than 100 years ago. Many of West's businesses and streets still have Czech names.
Starr also read a statement from former President George W. Bush, whose presidential library was dedicated Tuesday morning. Bush said he sent his heartfelt sympathies to the people of West.
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