Czech Pilsen Commemorates WWII U.S. Liberation; 300 Military Vehicles Parade Draws Attention
The western Czech city of Pilsen grandly celebrated the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Nazi Germany by the U.S. military during World War II. Approximately 300 vintage military vehicles paraded through the city streets, recreating the moment of liberation on May 6, 1945.
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Liu Yuting, Prague, May 3rd exclusive report) The western Czech city of Pilsen today grandly celebrated the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Nazi Germany by the U.S. military during World War II. Approximately 300 military vehicles from World War II, including tanks, armored vehicles, and military trucks, paraded through the city streets, recreating the moment of liberation on May 6, 1945.
Czechoslovakia was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. In May 1945, the U.S. Third Army's 16th Armored Division was the first to enter Pilsen, helping to liberate the area and end German rule.
Today, Pilsen holds its annual "Festival of Freedom" (Slavnosti svobody), a week-long event where the historical military vehicle parade is the main highlight. The convoy faithfully recreates the historical scene of 1945, with tanks, armored vehicles, military trucks, motorcycles, ambulances, and infantry squads visible, while several historical military aircraft perform aerial displays.
Many vehicles were decorated with lilacs and played jazz music, exuding a strong celebratory atmosphere. Czech people dressed in American military uniforms waved to the public, and women in American-style dresses accompanied them on the vehicles. The approximately 2-kilometer parade route was packed with people waving Czech and American flags, warmly welcoming the convoy.
This year, the convoy was led by the heavy equipment of the 16th Armored Division, with three classic U.S. military tanks at the front, including the light M24 Chaffee tank, the famous M4 Sherman tank, and the M36 Jackson tank destroyer.
American veterans, along with Belgian veterans as allies, have been regular honored guests for many years. This year, the most anticipated guests were two U.S. veterans who participated in the liberation, 100-year-old Joseph Thurmond and 101-year-old Gideon Kantor, who came to the event and received warm applause from the public as they rode in the convoy.
In addition to the vehicle parade, Pilsen also held a series of related activities, such as displaying military field kitchens, tank repair workshops, barracks facilities, military police units, and dozens of heavy and light armored vehicles, providing the public with a comprehensive understanding of military life at that time.
The RAIDERS Military History Club showcased a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and weapons used by American soldiers, striving for historical accuracy.
Lieutenant Ondřej Černý of the JFP RAIDERS Military History Club told a Central News Agency reporter that RAIDERS primarily recreates the appearance of the modern U.S. Army's Second Infantry Division during its service. Through the recreation of camps and equipment, they introduce American modern military culture to the public.
Speaking about the significance of Liberation Day, Černý said: "Liberation Day is an important day of freedom. Those heroes who fought for freedom brought new life and freedom to Czechoslovakia."
Participant Charlotte told a Central News Agency reporter that Liberation Day holds significant historical importance for the Czech Republic and deserves to be remembered by generations. As a history enthusiast, she has participated in Liberation Day commemorative activities for four consecutive years.
She said that preparing costumes and makeup often takes several hours. Setting up camps also takes time and effort, and many of the World War II vehicles and tanks displayed on-site are genuine, making the entire event more historically authentic.
This year's Festival of Freedom will conclude with a memorial ceremony in front of the "Thank You, America!" monument. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150504
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(Central News Agency reporter Liu Yuting, Prague, May 3rd exclusive report) The western Czech city of Pilsen today grandly celebrated the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Nazi Germany by the U.S. military during World War II. Approximately 300 military vehicles from World War II, including tanks, armored vehicles, and military trucks, paraded through the city streets, recreating the moment of liberation on May 6, 1945.
Czechoslovakia was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. In May 1945, the U.S. Third Army's 16th Armored Division was the first to enter Pilsen, helping to liberate the area and end German rule.
Today, Pilsen holds its annual "Festival of Freedom" (Slavnosti svobody), a week-long event where the historical military vehicle parade is the main highlight. The convoy faithfully recreates the historical scene of 1945, with tanks, armored vehicles, military trucks, motorcycles, ambulances, and infantry squads visible, while several historical military aircraft perform aerial displays.
Many vehicles were decorated with lilacs and played jazz music, exuding a strong celebratory atmosphere. Czech people dressed in American military uniforms waved to the public, and women in American-style dresses accompanied them on the vehicles. The approximately 2-kilometer parade route was packed with people waving Czech and American flags, warmly welcoming the convoy.
This year, the convoy was led by the heavy equipment of the 16th Armored Division, with three classic U.S. military tanks at the front, including the light M24 Chaffee tank, the famous M4 Sherman tank, and the M36 Jackson tank destroyer.
American veterans, along with Belgian veterans as allies, have been regular honored guests for many years. This year, the most anticipated guests were two U.S. veterans who participated in the liberation, 100-year-old Joseph Thurmond and 101-year-old Gideon Kantor, who came to the event and received warm applause from the public as they rode in the convoy.
In addition to the vehicle parade, Pilsen also held a series of related activities, such as displaying military field kitchens, tank repair workshops, barracks facilities, military police units, and dozens of heavy and light armored vehicles, providing the public with a comprehensive understanding of military life at that time.
The RAIDERS Military History Club showcased a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and weapons used by American soldiers, striving for historical accuracy.
Lieutenant Ondřej Černý of the JFP RAIDERS Military History Club told a Central News Agency reporter that RAIDERS primarily recreates the appearance of the modern U.S. Army's Second Infantry Division during its service. Through the recreation of camps and equipment, they introduce American modern military culture to the public.
Speaking about the significance of Liberation Day, Černý said: "Liberation Day is an important day of freedom. Those heroes who fought for freedom brought new life and freedom to Czechoslovakia."
Participant Charlotte told a Central News Agency reporter that Liberation Day holds significant historical importance for the Czech Republic and deserves to be remembered by generations. As a history enthusiast, she has participated in Liberation Day commemorative activities for four consecutive years.
She said that preparing costumes and makeup often takes several hours. Setting up camps also takes time and effort, and many of the World War II vehicles and tanks displayed on-site are genuine, making the entire event more historically authentic.
This year's Festival of Freedom will conclude with a memorial ceremony in front of the "Thank You, America!" monument. (Editor: Chen Huiping) 1150504
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.