Something sent to me by a neighbor - very moving.




Did I miss this on the local or national news? I doubt it. Have you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America's sacrifice in World War II? I might have discovered the answer in a small town in the Czech Republic.


I recently had the privilege of attending 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.

My good friend Bob Nueske, was relentless in making sure I experienced what he had a couple years ago. We both had served in the United States Army back in the late 60's, and not far from this city.

This trip was life changing for me in so many ways, the events of May 1-9 touched me so deeply I wanted to share the following snapshots I took to explain why. Why Pilsen and why every American should visit this city. 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 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, Zdenky Sladkove, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.

For 65 straight years , Zdenky, 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 Zdenky'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