Note from our very own Smokefire before we start this post:
Moosup VJ Day Parade
This Sunday, in the small northeastern Connecticut hamlet of Moosup, (a section of the town of Plainfield) The American Legion Post # 91 will sponsor it’s 49th annual VJ Day parade. The parade, starting in 1961, is thought to be the only one of it’s kind in America. Even in this age of political correctness, diversity, revisionist history, and misplaced guilt over our actions in WWII, hundreds of marchers, and thousands of spectators, young and old, still come from the tri-state area to attend, and celebrate this event. Veterans of WWII, living in the area, and beyond, attend the event, discussing their time, and actions in the war. One of the organizers of the parade, Phil Bohara, 89, who served in the Pacific theater, has been to all but 2 of the parades, according to published report. It is ironic that President Obama is sending our first delegation to Hiroshima, to commemorate the atomic bomb attacks, which ended the war, started by Japan. Meanwhile, this Sunday, the Patriotic residents, and visitors to Moosup will celebrate, our victory over Japan. While Japanese children are taught a revisionist narrative of WWII, it is nice to know, that in the politically correct environment of Connecticut, some kids are allowed to participate in a TRUE rememberance of what their fellow Americans did to save the world. The start of the parade is at 1:01 p.m. The reason for the unusual start time, is because this was the same time that fighting with Japan ended on August 15, 1945. The parade is always held on the second Sunday, in August. May it continue for many years to come. (Look for a guest post with pictures Sunday or Monday!)
The town of Pilsen (Plzen) in the Czech Republic honors the memory of the American heroes that liberated them in WWII.
In a way, apparently, leftist Americans in general and the current White House occupant in particular have forgotten, a village remembers what sacrifice is.
If this doesn’t put a lump in your throat and just a touch of tear in your eye, please have your family check you for a pulse.
Even 65 years later…….by the thousands
the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you…
Lining the streets of Pilsen for miles.
From 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’scrash 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 will 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 one of the five 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!
Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka – 1st Deputy Chief of Staff – Ministry of Defense – Czech Armed Forces.
So please join this amazing journey.
Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011, it may also be a life changing experience for you.And please share this with your family and friends and ask them to do the same…..every American should hear this story.
Tags: Czech Republic, Plzen
