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~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Liberation Celebration of the City of Plzen 
Every 5 years in the Czech Republic’s City of Plzen's citizens participate in the Liberation Celebration of the City of Plzen. May 6th, 2010, marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Plzen by General George Patton's 3rd Army. The people of this town still appreciate what America and the American Soldier did for them.
The citizens of Plzen come to say thank you.
It is a big celebration.
Czech and U.S. flags fly side by side.
Large crowds line the streets of Plzen for miles.
Tens of thousands...
visit the commemorative monument.
The Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.
This American family has 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.
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 autographs, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and inspirational.
The Brian LaViolette Foundation 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 1 of the 5 high schools in Plzen.
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.
Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps!!!
General Patton's grandson; George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) serves The Brian LaViolette Foundation’s board.
Front page news in Plzen.
Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka 1st Deputy Chief of Staff, Ministry of Defense, Czech Armed Forces.
I have no idea who Captain Happy-Pants ARMY Hat is.
But, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a FReeper.
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FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.
Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly. Let's have fun! We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always |
