Have you ever wondered if Europeans remember America's sacrifice during WWII?
On May 6, 2010, the City of Pilsan, a msall town in the Czech Republic held a Liberation Celebration to mark the 65th anniversary of the city's liberation by General George Patton's 3rd Army. This is why every American who is able should visit this city. Because they love the American soldier - even 65 years later - by the thousands.

(LEFT) Here is what the city of Pilsen things of General Patton's grandson, George Patton Waters. And it's front-page news, not buried in the middle of the middle of the social section.

(RIGHT AND BELOW) This is the crash site of Lt. Virgl P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was LT. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one on which he volunteered to go. At the time, the 20-year-old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was hsot down, a young Czech girl, Zdenky Sladkove, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his momory. For 65 straight years, Zdenky, now 79, 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 her hometown of Trhanova, Czech Republic, for her sacrifice.



(LEFT BELOW) Presenting Virgil's award was someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice, and somone who looks a lot like Virgil - Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother who also served during WWII, In the US Army Air Corps.

(RIGHT ABOVE) Each year, a different military hero is honored in tribute to General PAtton's memory and the US mission to liberate Europe. An award is also presented to a graduating senior from one of the five high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The student must be entering the military or a form of community services, such as a fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing - a cause greater than self. The first award was presented in May 2010 in honor of Lt. VIrgil Kirkham, the 20-year-old pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.