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Have
you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America
's sacrifice in World War II?
There is
an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic .
A town
called Pilsen ( Plzen ).
Every 5
years, Pilsen conducts the Liberation Celebration of
the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic .
May 6th, 2010, marked the 65th anniversary of the
liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd
Army. Pilsen
is the town that every American should visit. Because
they love America and the American Soldier...
Even 65
years later... by the thousands,
The
citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you.
Lining
the streets of Pilsen for miles -
From the
large crowds,
to quiet
reflective moments,
including this American family's private time to honor
and remember their American hero.
This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the
last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in
Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission
and one that he volunteered to go on. At the time, this
20-year-old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot
down, a young 14-year-old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova,
was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for
him and his memory. For 65 straight years,
Zdenka, now 79-years-old, took on the responsibility to
care for Virgil's crash site and memorial near her home.
On May
4th, she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home
town of Trhanova , Czech Republic, for her sacrifice and
extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.
Another
chapter in this important story... the Czech people are
teaching their children about America's
sacrifice for their freedom.
American
Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these
children and their parents want autographs from.
Yes,
Rock Stars! As they patiently waited for his autograph,
the respect this little Czech boy and his father have
for our troops serving today was heartwarming and
inspirational.
The
Brian LaViolette Foundation established The Scholarship
of Honor in tribute to
General George S. Patton and the American
Soldier, past and present.
Each
year, a different military hero will be honored in
tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to
liberate Europe . This award will be presented to a
graduating senior who will be entering the military or a
form of community service such as fireman, policeman,
teaching or nursing -- a cause greater than self. The
student will be from 1 of the 5 high schools in Pilsen ,
Czech Republic ..
The
first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of
Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20-year-old P-47 pilot
killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.
Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the
true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who
looks a
lot like Virgil.
Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served
during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps!!!
In
closing... Here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of
General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters (another
Rock Star!) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's
Foundation board.
And it's
front page news over there.. not buried in the middle of
the social section.
Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of
Staff, Ministry of Defense, Czech Armed Forces.
Notice
the flags? Share this email with your family and friends
... every American should hear this story.
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