Photo: M. Pecuch
Ambassador of the United States of America to the Czech Republic Bijan Sabet and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Czech Republic Jurgen van Meirvenn received on the occasion of the anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by the American army on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Pilsen City Hall, Mayor Roman Zarzycký.
After an informal conversation, together with other representatives of the city, families of veterans and foreign guests, they participated in a memorial service at the memorial plaque of the Brotherhood of the 17th Belgian Rifle Battalion and the plaque dedicated to the 16th Armored Division of the US Army, which is located on the main staircase in the premises of the town hall. There they laid wreaths and flowers in honor of all those who took part in the liberation in 1945.
“We are meeting here today to remember the important events that took place in Pilsen 79 years ago. In May 1945, the people of Pilsen must have been full of hope for the approaching end of the Second World War. We cannot even imagine how tense the atmosphere must have been in Pilsen. The people of Pilsen and the American army, led by General Patton and Colonel Charles Noble, were certainly extremely happy when they arrived at Republic Square on May 6 and the then dream of liberation became a reality, a reason to end the uprising and start celebrating the much-desired end of the war,” he said during commemorative assembly mayor Roman Zarzycky.
He also expressed regret over the fact that it is no longer possible to meet some of the heroes. “It is with great gratitude that I pass these plaques every day, and today I am especially aware of the depth of their meaning as we gather here together to honor the memory of the American and Belgian veterans who have done so much for us. Therefore, please appreciate the freedom they fought for us. Honor to their memory,” concluded the mayor.
Text: Monika Krausová / Barbora Hájková
Photogallery
Tags: mayor received ambassadors Belgium United States America town hall Pilsen
