King Philippe paid tribute to “the immense courage” of the soldiers during a commemorative ceremony in Pilsen, marking the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation by a Belgian battalion that helped expel Nazi troops.
Pilsen has adorned its city centre with Czech, Belgian, and American flags to celebrate this milestone. It is the first time that Belgian and Czech heads of state have attended the liberation commemoration together in Pilsen.
A military ceremony also took place in Americka Square in central Pilsen. At precisely 10:00, King Philippe and Czech President Petr Pavel watched as three Czech military fighter jets flew overhead, followed by a troop review.
Wreaths were laid at a monument bearing the message “Thank you, America,” followed by a minute’s silence.
In his speech, King Philippe honoured the soldiers who contributed to the liberation, stating, “The immense courage of these American, Belgian, and Czech soldiers will never be forgotten.”
Pilsen was liberated on 6 May 1945 by General Patton’s Third U.S. Army, with the assistance of a Belgian battalion.
The 17th Fusilier Battalion was composed of volunteers from the province of Liège and mainly consisted of members of the former underground resistance against Nazi rule.
