Convoy of Liberty passes through Plzeň within the annual Freedom Celebrations

The Convoy of Liberty drove through the west Bohemian city of Plzeň on Sunday within the Freedom Festival commemorating the end of World War Two and the city’s liberation by the US Army in May 1945.

As in previous years, crowds lined the roughly two-kilometre route, waving Czech, American and Belgian flags and holding sprigs of blooming lilac, the flowers with which residents also welcomed their liberators 81 years ago.

The place of honour in the convoy, and the loudest applause from spectators, went to two American veterans attending this year’s celebrations – 100-year-old Joseph Thurmond and 101-year-old Gideon Kantor.

Sunday’s convoy, showcasing some 300 pieces of historic military equipment, marked the end of the festival’s weekend program, which included historic military camps and cultural events. From Monday, a series of commemorative ceremonies will take place at monuments, memorials and plaques across the city, culminating on May 6 with the main remembrance gathering at the Thank You, America! memorial on Americká Avenue.