Pilsen Commemorates World War II Liberation

Chargé d’Affaires in front of the bust of CharlesNoble, who commanded the U.S. troops in Pilsen

May 13, 2009

On May 6, Pilsen celebrated its liberation by American troops. At the ‘Thank you, America!’ Memorial, speakers honored the sacrifice of the men and women who fought for our freedom.  In her address, Chargé Thompson-Jones said:

“In 1945 it was young American soldiers who fought and died to liberate Czechoslovakia. Today, it is Czech soldiers who serve in faraway lands to help bring security and freedom to other peoples. In Afghanistan and in Kosovo, Czechs work closely with the United States and dozens of international partners to offer the people there a chance for democracy and self-determination.”

The Chargé hosted a traditional luncheon honoring American and Belgian veterans and opened the “Sky Diaries” exhibition by American Artist Barbara Benish, which honored World War II pilots. The Nobel family donated to the Patton Memorial a bust of Charles Noble, who commanded the U.S. troops in Pilsen. 

Embassy officials also attended WWII commemorations throughout Bohemia, i.e. in Cheb, Benesov, Susice, Strakonice, Domazlice and Klatovy.