H. Res. 195

In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

May 4, 2005.

Whereas the final major offensive in the European theater of

operations during World War II, known as the Liberation

of Western Bohemia, was fought from April 25, 1945, to

May 8, 1945, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day declared

on May 8, 1945;

Whereas the Liberation of Western Bohemia was the closing

offensive of World War II, which decisively contributed to

the ultimate capitulation of the German Third Reich;

Whereas on May 4, 1945, General George S. Patton gave the

order for the American Third Army, consisting of 18 divisions and 500,000 men, to resume the Allied offensive

into Western Bohemia;

Whereas on May 5, 1945, the Third Army liberated the city

of Plzen (Pilsen), the western-most city in then-Czechoslovakia;

Whereas on May 6, 1945, as Americans entered Pilsen, flowers were strewn along the paths and into the vehicles of

the troops, while young girls and old men and women ran

to kiss the soldiers;

Whereas during the communist era, Czechs celebrated their

liberation from Nazi Germany on May 9 of each year in

commemoration of the Soviet liberation of Prague; how-
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ever, after the 1989 ‘‘Velvet Revolution’’, the date of

commemoration was moved to May 8 of each year;

Whereas thousands of American veterans of the Liberation of

Western Bohemia have traveled to Pilsen in the years

since the liberation to honor their fallen comrades;

Whereas the people of the Czech Republic, symbolizing their

friendship and gratitude toward the American soldiers

who fought to secure their freedom, have graciously

hosted countless veterans groups over the years;

Whereas between April 25 and May 9, 2005, some 50 communities across the western part of the Czech Republic

will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of their liberation

by United States, Czech, and Belgian soldiers under the

command of General Patton;

Whereas the citizens of Pilsen will dedicate a statue of General Patton which will be unveiled on the town square on

the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen, commemorating the Liberation of Western Bohemia by

United States Armed Forces during World War II; and

Whereas the friendship between the United States and the

Czech Republic is strong today in part because of the

Liberation of Western Bohemia: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Western Bohemia in the European theater of operations during World War II which culminated in an

Allied victory that assured the defeat of Nazi Germany

and ended the War in Europe two weeks later;
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(2) honors those individuals who gave their lives

during the Liberation of Western Bohemia;

(3) encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to

honor the veterans of the Liberation of Western Bohemia with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities;

(4) reaffirms the bonds of friendship between the

United States and the brave citizens of the Czech Republic; and

(5) seeks to continue building a great future between our countries.

Attest:

Clerk.