Plzeň launches Freedom Festival commemorating WWII liberation by US troops

Plzeň in western Bohemia on Friday opens its traditional Freedom Festival, commemorating the end of the Second World War and the liberation of the city by American troops.

The city has organised the event since 1990, and for three decades American and Belgian veterans who helped liberate Plzeň in May 1945 have attended the celebrations as honoured guests.

This year, 81 years after the war’s end, two veterans are expected to attend: 100-year-old Joseph Thurmond and 101-year-old Gideon Kantor.

As in previous years, the festival will feature military history camps, jazz and swing concerts, country music and tribute bands performing songs by American groups.

The program also includes commemorative ceremonies at war memorials, a gathering of American car enthusiasts, and a mass for war veterans.

The week-long event will culminate with the festival’s main attraction, the Convoy of Liberty.

This year’s parade will include around 300 pieces of historic military equipment, led by a battle formation recreating the arrival of the 16th Armored Division led by General Patton.