events 2008

Photo gallery

Warm Welcome for Ambassador and Mrs. Graber in Pilsen on May 6, Liberation Day

May 7, 2008

The city of Pilsen once again pulled out all the stops for its annual May 6 celebration of its liberation by General Patton’s troops at the end of World War II.  Ambassador and Mrs. Graber attended a wreath laying ceremony at City Hall and hosted a lunch for U.S. and Belgian veterans at the new Marriott hotel.  After lunch, the Ambassador visited an exhibition opening which demonstrated artistic ties between the University of Western Bohemia and Miami University of Ohio. 

The highlight of the day was the wreath laying ceremony at the “Thank you, America” monument, attended by numerous VIPs, veterans and their families, and citizens of Pilsen, many of whom still remember liberation and were visibly moved by their encounters with the veterans.  Mayor Pavel Roedl, ever the gracious host, treated attendees to a concert by acclaimed musicians Ondrej Havelka & the Melody Makers, followed by a buffet dinner.