Convoy of Liberty Starts in Front of U.S. Embassy

Chargé d'Affaires Mary Thompson-Jones witha partícipant of the Convoy of Liberty 2009 in front of the Embassy © Ivan Babej

April 30, 2009

A Convoy of Liberty will celebrate the 64th anniversary of liberation of the country at the end of the World War II.  The parade of American military old-timers has started its tour through Western Bohemia in front of the U.S. Embassy in Prague on Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. (Trziste 15, Praha 1 – Lesser Town). The tour was officially launched by Chargé d’Affaires Mary Thompson-Jones. 

In the convoy, it can be seen a personal coupé for corps of generals – Cadillac; Dodge command vehicle; 23 jeeps made by Willys and Ford companies; Dodge weapon carriers; and Harley motorcycles. All cars are in the mint condition.

A participation was promised by the veterans or their family members – Erik Petersen (first tank man to enter Pilsen under the command of the 16th armored division), George Patton Waters (grandson of General Patton), and Charles H. Noble (son of Col. Charles Noble, commander of the 16th armored division).

For more information concerning the event in front of the U.S. Embassy please contact the embassy’s press section.

The tour information will be provided by organizer Mirko Trubka – mobil 603-145-926, email: mirko.trubka@email.cz.

Remarks of Chargé d’Affaires Mary Thompson-Jones 

Distinguished veterans, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Wow!  Thank you so much for coming.  I enjoyed the chance to talk to some of you as you assembled the convoy—and i’ve certainly never had more fun on a ride to the office than i did today! 

Fun though it was, we are here for a serious reason.  We are gathered to mark the end of the second world war in europe—an event that restored freedom to the czech people and brought an end to suffering for millions across the continent. 

The vehicles lined up here this morning are a reminder of that difficult era.  Though only a few people here today experienced that time firsthand it’s an important time to remember.  That’s why i’m so happy you’re here—and why i’m so pleased to see so many young faces in the crowd.

In 1945 these vehicles were driven by young men far from home who fought to ensure the freedoms we all now enjoy.  The care with which you have restored these vehicles honors those men. It reminds us of the suffering the people of europe endured in the second world war and of the sacrifices thousands of young men and women of many nations made to preserve our freedoms. 

It is important that young people today understand that link. We must remember the past to avoid ever repeating it.

We are honored that you choose to begin your annual trip across bohemia at the american embassy.  Now, as you prepare to get on the road, i thank you once again for commemorating the allied victory in europe and for honoring the men in uniform who helped make it possible. Drive safely!