All the American equipment you see here was disassembled, stored, hidden, and maintained by the locals during all the years of Soviet occupation and finally brought out after the USSR crumbled. The VFW Post I was a member of in Germany helped them with their first annual celebration and the dedication of the monument in the town square. P.S. The only beer they served back then was an original Budvar (the Czech town name for what is now known as Budweiser) Pilsner…today’s Budweiser beers are an insult to the original.
Some of us ought to do this; Pilsen means “great beer”, doesn’t it? There’s much better reasons to go however. This is another pro America story you’ll never see in the main stream press.
This is a must read for every American -
Have you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America’s sacrifice in World War II? There is an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic. The town is called Pilsen (Plzen).
Every five years Plzen conducts the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton’s 3rd Army.
Pilsen is the town that every American should visit.
Because…..they love America and the American Soldier…
even 65 years later…….by the thousands
the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you…
lining the streets of Pilsen for miles.
From large crowds…
To quiet reflective moments…
Including this American family’s private time to honor and remember their American hero.
This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham’s 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on.
At the time this 20 year old pilot’s P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.
For 65 straight years , Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil’s crash site and memorial near her home.
On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka’s home town of Trhanova, Czech Republic, for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.
Another chapter in this important story…..the Czech people are teaching their children about America’s sacrifice for their freedom.
American Soldiers, young and old, are the ”Rock Stars” these children and their parents want autographs from..
Yes, Rock Stars ! … As they patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and inspirational.
The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.
Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton’s memory and their mission to liberate Europe.
This award will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing, a cause greater than self. The student will be from one of the five high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
The first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.
Presenting Virgil’s award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice… someone who looks a lot like Virgil…
Marion Kirkham, Virgil’s brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army – Air Corps. !!!
In closing… Here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton’s grandson. George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) we’re proud to say, serves on Brian’s Foundation board.
And it’s front page news.. not buried in the middle of the social section..
Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka – 1st Deputy Chief of Staff – Ministry of Defense – Czech Armed Forces.
So please join this amazing journey…
Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011, it may also be a life changing experience for you.
Please tell your family and friends about this story and ask them to do the same…..every American should hear this story.
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God bless America, and thanks to the person who sent us this story.
Thank you for posting this. What a wonderful story!
I barely held back the tears as I read this. It stirred in me all the pride I hold for my family and friends who have served selflessly in America’s military across many theaters. My own father was gravely wounded in WWI in France and always took pride when he could show the piece of shrapnel that took out ribs and part of a lung. I am proud of America’s noble legacy, and am so proud of these Pilseners. What decent people…
Thank you sir, for your heartfelt comment. Your words remind us why we keep this blog online.
These are indeed difficult times in which we live, but I believe our lives are enriched by taking time to read about the Pilsners and other good and decent people around the world who have not forgotten the sacrifices America has made while asking nothing in return.
Peter, may God bless you and your family.
am so moved…words fail me. thank you all.
This is an emotional topic for me as well. I just learned through genealogical research that my grandfather, then Captain Wilson M. Moon, was a member of the 16th Armored Division, 137th Ordinance Maintenance Battalion and participated in Pilsen’s liberation.
You have no idea how proud I am of him.
What a special gift you have given to your everlasting friends here in America. We don’t hear a lot these days of how much our involvement in helping other countries during wartime sometimes is greatly appreciated and not forgotten.. Thank you for your graciousness.
I found your site as I have been contemplating visiting Plizen.
Larry
this is what we are about.