The EHD 2003 National Theme was chosen on the basis of a proposal from the College of the Czech Chamber of Certified Engineers and Technicians ČKAIT & the Czech Society for System Integration ČSSI and the National Heritage Institute: Technical Monuments. The Association welcomed the proposed theme especially because technical monuments rank among the most vulnerable ones, are often endangered and only in recent years are being re-discovered and appreciated. They are becoming the most sought-after tourist destinations all over Europe, and the number of examples of their revitelization is increasing. Opening and restoring them to life is a step to their survival. The European Heritage Days are an important opportunity for their presentation.