The Embassy of Great Britain traditionally honours the memory of fallen soldiers in World War I and World War II on the first Sunday after 11 November. Its Ambassador to the Czech Republic, His Excellency Mr. Nick Archer, also spoke.
I had the privilege of being able to speak with him briefly. The video below is supplemented with a PHOTOGALLERY. I didn't see the wreath from the USA, perhaps I missed it? Sad that the music of the Army of the Czech Republic did not play the anthem of the Slovak Republic. I asked at the beginning if it would be played. Almost apologetically, the bandmaster told me that that was the instruction they had been given. There are also monuments to Czechoslovak soldiers in the cemetery and the anthem should have been played, of course. Sadly, I did not see any Czech politician, MP, senator or well-known public figure. They attend the commemorations only at the cemetery next to the cemetery of the soldiers from the Eastern Front. The fallen soldiers deserve the same respect. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, on September 2, 2015, 11 citizens of the Czech Republic laid a wreath of thanks at the Olšany memorial and placed a total of 264 roses at the gravestones (the fundraiser was not successful; it was an honor to pay for the roses and wreath). The commemoration lasted 20 minutes. It was perfect, as only the British, from whom we have much to learn, can do. I didn't see any Czech media on the spot. J.Š.
Prague, September 2, 2015: thank you for dying for us - and forgive...
Read more...