64^th LIBERATION FESTIVAL OF PlZEN 1945

27 APRIL, 2009

CITY OF PLZEN

CZECH REPUBLIC

Lord Mayor of Plzen, Pavel Rodl and city official’s opening ceremony of exhibition of the 64^th year of the liberation of Plzen during World War II, 8 May, 1945.

An ecstatic display of pictures and memorabilia that were secretly hidden away and buried to keep out of the hands of the communist , historical display of pictures and other items of the American U. S. Army involvement of liberation that were left behind after the liberation of Plzen , May 1945.

WO-4. Eric Peterson (Right) and his wife. W0-4. Peterson, World War II veteran was one of the very first soldiers of the 16^th Armored Division to enter into the city of Plzen in tanks along with the 97^th Infantry to liberated Plzen. The 16^th Armored Division would capture the local SS Nazi commander of Plzen, who would later commit suicide by shooting himself in the head.

European Representative , Society of the Fifth Division , United States Army and United States Army Ambassador, Freedom Team Salute (Left).

Freedom Team Salute, United States Army Ambassdor

On behalf of General, George W. Casey, Chief of Staff , United States Army

and Secretary of the Army.

War Veterans of the Czech Veterans Association and

Army of the Czech Republic.

(Left) Ivan Rollinger, Patton Memorial Pilsen, (Middle) Maj. Mgr. Jindrich Plescher, Plzen Military Command and SSG. Petr Blaha, Czech War Veterans Assoication, (Right).

UNITED STATES ARMY AND THE ARMY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

General, George W. Casey, Chief of Staff , United States Army, during his visit to FOB Shank in Afghanistan December, 2008.

Members of the 101^st Airborne Division and members of the Army of the Czech Republic.

General , George W. Casey , greeting soldiers of the army of the Czech Republic who are NATO members and a part of the Czech military that is engaged in the integration of NATO military structure, contributing to defense, operations and civil crisis management planning. It takes part in the procedural and organizational aspects of nuclear consultations, participates in joint exercises, and actively commits its troops in NATO-led multinational operations.

The ACR is also engaged in the EU military structure, as the Czech Republic became an EU member country on 1 May 2004. The Czech military participates in joint exercises and operations.

General Casey being given a coin from the Army of the Czech Republic

The Honorable Preston M. "Pete" Geren, III, Secretary of the Army

The United States Army greatly appreciates Maj. Plescher support of Soldiers fighting the Global War on Terrorism and is proud to recognizition his contribution and personal sacrifices in preserving the freedom and security of both our Nations.

Major , Plescher partistapation in many joint combined military missions for NATO in Afghanistan, Kosovo and his involvment and coordinating of memorial cemornies held througout the year in the Czech Republic between the United States Army and the army of the Czech Republic.

AMERICAN CENTER PLZEN

Freedom Team Salute, United States Army Ambassador

On behalf of Freedom Team Salute a “Certificate of Appreciation”, is present to

Mr. Vladimir Pálek, director of the American Center in Plzen for his many years of support and his contribution to the Plzen community with the many services that are provided through cultural and historical events devoted to soldiers, veterans and Americans who live and visit the city of Plzen.

Mr. Vladimir Pálek, Director of the American Center Plzen

Pinning the US Army lapel pin to a very proud and honored recipient, who was greatly surprised and appreciative for his recognition by the United States Army, Freedom Team Salute.

Acknowledgment:

City of Plzen

American Center Plzen

Army of the Czech Republic

Czech Veterans Association

United States Army

Freedom Team Salute

Society of the Fifth Division, United States Army

Pictures provided by Czech Veterans Association

Society of the Fifth Division, United States Army

A heart felt gratitude of thanks to veterans of all wars for their service and unselfish sacrifices for the freedoms that we enjoy around the world today.

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