COMMEMORATIVE AND REMEMBERANCE OF THE LIBERATION OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY

1945

Town of Bělá nad Radbuzou

Czech Republic

May 1, 2009

UNITED STATES ARMY FREEDOM TEAM SALUTE

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The memorial was established to honor all those who have died in all Wars.

The statue represents a soldier as a boy because every soldier is at the same time also a child of his parents, who worry about him," is said in the description of the statue.

A boy laying down perhaps sleeping and having dreams about beautiful horses and famous victories, running horses reminds of the herd of Lippizzaner horses and “Operation Cowboy”, during which in the region of Bělá nad Radbuzou died two Troopers of Patton’s 2nd Cavalry.

Pfc. Raymond E. Manz and Tec-5 Owen W. Sutton

In honor to their memories is placed on the monument an inscription with their names next to the city coat of arms and of the Czech Republic.

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The town of Bela nad Radbuzou, now has a place from this monument to where we will be able to remember with dignity the anniversary of establishing of the town, state and, of course, also liberation and the end of the Second World War.

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Mayor, Libor Picka with his opening remarks for the commemoration ceremony.

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A Joint Combined Military Observance of Remembrance

2^nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, United States Army and Army of the Czech Republic

Military 21 Gun Salute provided by the Plzen Military Command of the Army of the Czech Republic

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Plzen Regional Military Commander of the Army of the Czech Republic and European Representative for the Society of the Fifth Division, United States Army

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United States Army Ambassador, Freedom Team Salute.

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Col. Lysina, Plzen Military Command laying of wreath for the Army of the Czech Republic

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Trooper from the 2^nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Outgoing Minister of Justice, for the Czech Republic, with wreath

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2^nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Commander, LTC. Jones

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AN UNITED STATES ARMY FREEDOM TEAM SALUTE PRESENTATION

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In the Town hall of Bela nad Radbuzou, CPT. Brandt and LTC. Jones, 2^nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Commander assisting with the presentation by the United States Army Ambassador

Freedom Team Salute.

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United States Army Ambassador, Freedom Team Salute , on behalf of General George W. Casey, Chief of Staff, United States Army and The Honorable Preston M. "Pete" Geren, III, Secretary of the Army. Presents a Certificate of Appreciation and US Army lapel pin.

To Mayor, Libor Picka, Town of Bela nad Radbuzou, in recognition for his personal sacrifices in preserving the freedom and security of our Nations.

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Cpt. Brandt having the honor to pin the US Army lapel pin on to Mayor Picka.

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Combat Warriors of Yesterday and Today

It was a great honor to have two Combat Warriors from the 2^nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment present.

Which carries a bond that makes up the “Brotherhood of Warriors “.

During “Operation Cowboy” the Fifth Division was linked to the right side of B. Troop and C. Troop 42^nd Rec. Sqd, 2^nd Cavalry Regiment, with a longtime history of together then and together now.

Ing Libor Picka, Mayor of Bela nad Radbuzou.

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A Freedom Team Salute to Mayor, Libor Picka

Acknowledgment:

Town of Bělá nad Radbuzou

Army of the Czech Republic

2^nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, United States Army

Czech Veterans Association

United States Army Freedom Team Salute

Society of the Fifth Division, United States Army

2^nd Cavalry Association

Ing. Miroslav Schubert, Webmaster

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.

A special thanks to the many people and different organizations that have made this recognition reality and the memories of the two Troopers, Tec-5 Owen W. Sutton and Pfc. Raymond E. Manz, who gave their lives, shall never be forgotten.

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