The Czech Center in New York has much to celebrate 60^th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by the American Armed Forces.

Consul General Ales Pospisil and Guests

Ales Pospisil, Consul General of the Czech Republic in New York, together with the Czech Center in New York and invited dignitaries and guests, celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by the American Armed Forces on April 26, 2005 at the Czech Center, 1109-1111 Madison Avenue. 

Iva Karolina Raisinger, Director of the Czech Center, welcomed invited guests and said “…Pilsen was liberated 60 years ago at the end of World War II in Europe, and we are honored to have the men who were in Pilsen, who survived and are here with us tonight…”

We were pleased to be able to partake in this touching ceremony, which also coincided with a special opening of a photography exhibit at the Czech Center showing for the first time the photographs that were taken in Pilsen during the liberation. The evocative black and white photographs caught the essence and emotion of the time.

It was also a night of emotional speeches honoring the soldiers who fought to liberate Pilsen. Ales Pospisil, Consul General of the Czech Republic gave a speech, as well as read a speech from the President of the Czech Republic, and there was also a speech read that was sent by Miroslav Kalous, the Mayor of Pilsen.

Distinguished guests at the 60^th anniversary included official representatives from Pilsen, as well as General George S. Patton’s grandson, Benjamin Patton, Major General Miloá Knor, M.B.E, Dr. Alvin Kravitz, First Lieutenant Harry Arlin, Major Egon Rausnitz and Staff Sergeant David A. Levine, who each shared their own personal stories about the liberation of Pilsen, and touched the hearts of the invited guests. Staff Sergeant, David A. Levine also enthralled the guests with his stories and scrapbook of personal photos including those of the actress Marlene Dietrich, who entertained his troop during World War II while he was the Master of Ceremonies at one her shows.

Distinguished guests at the 60 anniversary included official representatives from Pilsen, as well as General George S. Patton’s grandson, Benjamin Patton, Major General Miloá Knor, M.B.E, Dr. Alvin Kravitz, First Lieutenant Harry Arlin, Major Egon Rausnitz and Staff Sergeant David A. Levine, who each shared their own personal stories about the liberation of Pilsen, and touched the hearts of the invited guests. Staff Sergeant, David A. Levine also enthralled the guests with his stories and scrapbook of personal photos including those of the actress Marlene Dietrich, who entertained his troop during World War II while he was the Master of Ceremonies at one her shows.

A reception followed at the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, which featured Czech Republic specialties.

For more information on Czech Republic, please visit: www.CzechTourism.com.

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