King Filip commemorates liberation of Czech pilsen and tributes to « immense courage » of soldiers
The city of Pilsen has committed itself to celebrating the eighties anniversary of its liberation. For example, the city center is decorated with Czech, Belgian and American flags for the occasion. It is also the first time that a Belgian and a Czech head of state in Pilsen have been present together on the commemoration of the liberation.
To commemorate the birthday, a military ceremony was also set up on the Americka square, in the center of Pilsen. King Filip and the Czech President Petr Pavel saw three fighter aircraft from the Czech army flying over at 10 o’clock. This was followed by a inspection of the troops. Dozens of flower wreaths were then placed at a monument with the message ‘Thank you America’, followed by a minute of silence.
In a speech, King Filip honored the soldiers who contributed to the liberation. « The immense courage of these American, Belgian and Czech soldiers will never be forgotten. »
Pilsen was liberated on May 6, 1945 by the Third US Army of General Patton, with the help of a Belgian battalion. The 17th Fuseliersbataljon was compiled with volunteers from the province of Liège. It mainly consisted of members of the former underground opposition to the Nazi regime.
King Filip: « Achievements from our soldiers are being attacked directly today »
The achievement for which the Belgian soldiers fought 80 years ago are today again « attacked directly ». King Filip explained that on Tuesday on the memorial ceremony in the Czech city of Pilsen. In his speech, he referred to the war in Ukraine, among other things.
« These soldiers have paved the path for a free Europe. A Europe of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights, » the King praised the soldiers who competed for the liberation eighty years ago. « On the foundations of their achievements, we were able to build solid institutions, such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Union. They allow our countries to deal with each other in a respectful way. »
« Today these achievements are being attacked directly, wiped out in the name of ‘power is good’, fast profits and territorial ambitions, » the King warns.
Yet the king remains hopeful. « Europe is expanding its safety and defense capacity as never before. We are celebrating 80 years of peace in our Union. And we support our neighbors in need, namely Ukraine, » it still sounds. That reference to Ukraine was welcomed by the Czech spectators on applause.
« While some try to distribute us, we must express our faith and our values, » it sounded.
Just before that, Czech President Petr Pavel had seized the events of the Second World War to refer to the conflict in Ukraine. « The war has taught us that a policy of appeasement has very major consequences and does not deliver anything, » says Pavel. « That is also important today, now that a different war of attack is taking place on the European continent. It makes us realize how important it is to support each other. »
« Freedom and peace are not an achievement, we have to take care of it, » Pavel concluded.
