Liberation of Pilzen (Czechoslovakia) by the US 16th AD and Belgian volunteers

[OldJack1985]

Hello,

 

Recently participated to the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Western Czech Republic by the US army in 1945 by the then very green 16th armored division, elements of the 97th, the 4th and the 26th ID, and Belgian volunteers in the US Army (17th battalion of fusiliers) who covered the tank destroyers . The celebration was incredible, as Czech people had been prevented to celebrate their liberation by the West for over 40 years. Pilsen people are still very grateful to thhe US, I'm told there was up to 25,000 people watching the march waving flags. As reenactors, we received flowers, steins of beer, scoops of ice cream from that cheering crowd. This is very different from the reactions of French or Belgian public when we're in Normandy or in the Ardennes --and needless to say, a very welcome one :-)

 

[manayunkman]

Ive been to Pilsen, thank you for taking the time to post these great pictures.

[Backtheattack]

Great! Know there are very interesting marches there, but had never time to visit. 

[USMC_COLLECTOR]

The uniforms and gear are superb! Very nice indeed. The lieutenant in the last picture looks very much like a period soldier.