I was forwarded an email about a little celebration in a town in the Czech Republic, so I googled the town of Pilsen and found a lengthy article in the travel section of the May 27th, 2011 New York Times that contained this single paragraph out of fifteen:

Not every aspect of local culture will be so unfamiliar to the American traveler. Less than 50 miles from the German border, Pilsen was one of the rare Czech cities to have been liberated by American troops during World War II, and remarkably, a pro-United States vibe remains to this day. During the city’s annual Liberation Festival in May, local re-enactors in period uniforms drive around in restored United States Army jeeps. Surviving veterans leave their signatures on the walls of the six-year-old Patton Memorial, a museum dedicated to the city’s occupation and liberation.

Actually, America has liberated Pilsen twice – once in WWII and again when the America of Ronald Reagan caused the downfall of the USSR…but let’s not quibble over who killed whom.

The Times severely understated the importance of the Liberation Festival, making it sound like a cute little weekend neighborhood street fair. Here’s a slightly different take from the email:

This is an amazing story of remembrance. In the Czech Republic , the school children of the equivalent of fifth grade are each assigned one of the American and Canadian liberators buried there. Their grave is the student’s responsibility for the year and they learn all there is to know of their own hero. Their surviving family is sent letters and they respond to the annual child who tends their loved one’s grave.

No apology needed here!

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 called Pilsen ( Plzen ).

Every 5 years, Pilsen 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 the 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 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 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 is front page news over there not buried in the middle of the social section.

Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka, 1st Deputy Chief of Staff, Ministry of Defense, Czech Armed Forces.

Notice the flags? Share this email with your family and friends … every American should hear this story.