People in Prague and Pilsen will remember the end of World War II today

Update: 05.05.2023 00:05

Prague – Today, Prague and some other Czech cities will remember the events that immediately preceded the end of the Second World War. In the capital, people will commemorate the 78th anniversary of the beginning of the Prague Uprising, and in Pilsen they will begin four-day celebrations of the liberation of the city by the American army. Commemorative events for the end of the Second World War are also planned for today in smaller towns, for example in Vimperek, Jablonec nad Nisou or Velké Meziříčí.

Today, people remember the armed uprising against the German occupiers, which broke out in Prague on May 5, 1945, at the Czech Radio building on Vinohradská Street. After the speech of the general director of the radio René Zavoral, the President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil (ODS) will deliver a speech. The Speaker of the House of Representatives Markéta Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09) will also participate in the event.

These days, Pilsen commemorates the liberation by the American army, where the traditional Freedom Celebrations begin today. Until May 8, the largest celebrations of the end of the Second World War in the Czech Republic will offer military historical camps, commemorative acts, concerts, exhibitions, games for the whole family, charity events and also the main commemorative act at the Thanks, America! On Sunday, over 280 pieces of historical military equipment and around a thousand people in period uniforms and clothing will drive down Klatovská třída.

In Nepomuk in southern Pilsen, the 78-year-old events will be commemorated, among other things, by the arrival of a convoy of historical military vehicles from the Friends of the 4th Armored Division Prácheňsko club. This will be followed by a commemoration of the fallen at the Leaning Obelisk monument on Dubči Hill. The anniversary of the liberation of the city by the American army will also be remembered this afternoon by the people of Vimperk na Prachatick.

A memorial service will be held in Jablonec nad Nisou to honor the victims of the Second World War. A commemorative afternoon will be held today for the same reason at the municipal cemetery in Trutnov, and in Velké Meziříčí in Žďársk they remember the victims of the massacre at the beginning of May 1945. Two days before the arrival of the liberation troops, the Germans murdered several dozen people in the town.