Annual Liberation Festival Held May 4-6
Touring Europe since World War II, visitors from all over the world realize American troops engaged with the Nazi forces sacrificed unimaginable numbers of our soldiers who died there. American cemeteries across Europe such as in Normandy, is evident with an excess of ten thousand graves.
Do they remember? Many do and their descendants today are alive and prospering due to the liberation of Europe. A prime example is the beautiful city of Pilsen, Czech Republic.
A monument in the town square as follows:
Thank You, America!
On May 6th 1945
The City Of Pilsen Was Liberated
By The U. S. Army
An additional monument, the Patton Memorial, may be found in a prominent location as a tribute to General George S. Patton. Of course, Patton was not always the knight in shining armor according to the communications between the supreme commander General Eisenhower and him. But Patton was a real soldier. Eisenhower, to some extent, was ordered to “cooperate” with the Russian advances from the east; much to Patton’s personal chagrin.
When Patton’s army moved into Pilsen, our troops were astounded by the thousands of excited well wishers waving American flags. After six long years under Nazi atrocities, the love of the American soldiers could not be denied.
But the city of Prague with its classical music, great food and beer was in the eastern sector. It was in easy reach for Patton’s relentless pressure on the Nazis but this great city was destined to be liberated by the dreaded Russians. On the contrary, the Nazi soldiers began surrendering to the Americans, as it was almost certain death to be captured by the Russians pressing in from the east. These disarmed enemy troops were ordered to march un-escorted toward the west to surrender to approaching American soldiers. Our troops there were too occupied freeing as many Czech people as possible.
A sad story of dedication of a hero was the death of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, a P-47 pilot who was shot down near Pilsen on his 82nd mission. He was the last recorded death of a U. S. pilot. A 14 year old Czech girl, Sdenka Sladkova, was so moved by this 20 year old American who died for her country that she vowed to care for his memory. A grave stone was erected at the crash site of his airplane and for 65 years, the young lady who is now 79 years old, kept fresh flowers on his marked grave. Recently she was honored by the Mayor of her home town of Trhanova.
Now there is a celebration on the anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen. Besides parades and recognition of this great day, citizens there continue to honor and recognize a different American hero’s memory each year. Furthermore, Czech children and students are taught about America’s sacrifice for their freedom.
By contrast, there’s the Empire of Japan: many students there are unaware of Pearl Harbor, yet their nation, including the atom bombed cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima are now modern and prospering. Much effort on behalf of the U. S. occupation of Japan saw to their needs.
It is ironic indeed, that some of the countries we liberated from the Caribbean Sea to the Mid East appear to have difficulties in remembering. In fact, recent reports from Afghanistan indicated that in excess of 90 percent of the people there never heard of September 11!
Since the Spanish American War, our country has fought many wars and battles to free people from oppression. And it was never to gain ownership of their land. This tribute of the people of Pilsen, Czech Republic is truly a matter of pride to this nation and it will always remain so.
Pilsen Liberation Festival: www.liberationfestival.com
