“This is not an attempt to rewrite history…” Liberation celebrations. Without the Russian flag and anthem

“According to the protocol, the anthems of the victorious powers that have representatives here will be played,” said the speaker. “It is not an attempt to rewrite history, we are on the demarcation line and we know which armies met here. The busts of the Rybalka and the T34 will never disappear from here.” This explained the absence of the flag of the Russian Federation, and only two anthems were played – Czech and American, without France and Great Britain and “of course” also Russia, unlike in previous years. Those present paid tribute to all soldiers “whatever banner they fought under”.

All against the war

The mayor of Rokycany, Tomáš Rada (Rokycanský Patrioti), said the following at the beginning of the commemorative act: “The war began in 1939 for Europe with two events – the invasion of the Soviet Union by the German army in June 1941 and the landing of the Allies in Normandy in June 1944. Both fronts – eastern and western – met for the first time here at our place. Rokycany was liberated on May 7, 1945, when the soldiers of the United States Army arrived in the city for the first time. Subsequently, on May 9, 1945, Red Army tankers arrived in Bork in the morning. The two armies met in the eastern part of Rokycan. A monument to the demarcation line was built at this location in 1996 to permanently commemorate this significant event for Europe. I hope that we will all do everything to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again and that together we will prevent wars and mass crimes committed all over the world.”

Martin Baxa. (photo: Václav Fiala)

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The next speaker was the Minister of Culture, former mayor of Pilsen, Martin Baxa: “I would like to thank my friend Jan Šašek, who told me that the commemorative act here at the Museum on the Demarcation Line is beautiful and really fulfilling.” I would like to thank the mayor who remembered the American war veterans who were an integral part of the liberation celebrations in our city. As mayor of the city of Pilsen, I also had the honor of meeting them personally. Time is inexorable, they are no longer among us here in Western Bohemia, and I appreciate it all the more that we remember them here in such great numbers. I have another story connected with the town of Rokycany, and now is the first time I have the opportunity to talk about it, and that is the story of the railway worker Václav Stehlík. If we talk about the time of the Second World War as a time of darkness, when the monstrous Nazi regime ruled, then it is very important to remember those who were able to stand up to him in a hopeless situation. In 1941, Nazi Germany was at the height of its strength and power, and anyone who chose to stand against it knew that they were effectively signing a death warrant. And right here in Rokycany, it was Václav Stehlík, an ordinary railway worker, who, when Gabčík and Kubiš knocked on his door on a dark December day in 1941, he did not hesitate and provided them with help and support at the crucial moment when they came down to the Protectorate with an extraordinary military mission , which thanks to people like Václav Stehlík, they managed to fulfill and carry out a military operation, an attack on Reinhard Heydrich, which was one of the most important of its kind in all of Europe. Today’s May occasion, when we return to 1945, is also an opportunity to remember these heroes, such as Václav Stehlík,” stated Baxa.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Army of the Czech Republic, which followed up on our heroes, who served faithfully in their free time on foreign missions. We are a solid and important part of the North Atlantic Alliance and among those who fight for the values of freedom and democracy, whether right here in the Czech Republic with quality preparation and support, or in missions abroad. The second thanks goes to the Czechoslovak legionary community. The legionnaires stood by the fact that our free and democratic Czechoslovak Republic could be established at all. They were willing to take the right side during the First World War. The third personal thank you goes to Mr. František Koch, who runs the local museum.”

An example of period technology. (photo: Václav Fiala)

Senator Pavel Karpíšek commemorated 80 years since the day the Allies landed in Normandy. “And after almost eleven months of advancing through Europe, they arrived at Rokycansko and the demarcation line. It was the worst war in human history. They brought peace to Europe for many decades, and to a large extent also freedom and democracy. Unfortunately, unlearned by history, we have to state even today that Europe is not without war conflict. And I would like to symbolically express the wish that the war conflict be ended as soon as possible and, just like less than 80 years ago, that the aggressor be defeated and also punished according to international law, so that we can always remember their courage,” stated Senator Karpíšek.

No one will separate us anymore

Army attache col. Jakub Andrews then said in Czech: “It is with humility and gratitude that I represent the United States of America here before you today to commemorate the liberation of your beautiful region at the end of World War II.” We gathered to pay tribute to the brave Allied soldiers including those of the United States. We remember the great sacrifices they made. In many cases it was the ultimate sacrifice. To secure our cherished values, freedom and democracy. We are grateful that their memory is still alive. 79 years ago, our shared commitment to freedom and justice crossed borders and united us against tyranny and oppression. Although not long after, our countries were divided this time by the Iron Curtain, I am grateful that the memory of our shared sacrifices has lived on. We remember not only the victims of the past, but also an important milestone this year – the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to NATO. This historic achievement underscores both the depth of our friendship and the fundamental importance of our cooperation and commitments to jointly protect our values. The brutality that occurs daily in the ongoing war of aggression in eastern Ukraine reminds us of what is at stake for our countries. Just like 79 years ago to ensure victory over authoritarianism. We must now remain united in support of Ukraine against the same threats.”

The celebrations then continued until the evening hours – there were demonstrations of fights, a small parade or programs for children, of which there were a large number accompanied by their parents.

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