Prague Journal

Sunday, May 8, 2005.

Today is the official National holiday “Liberation from Fascism, 1945.” For decades, May 9th was celebrated as liberation day, to commemorate the day the soviet tanks overcame the last German resistance and entering Prague, bringing an end to over six years of occupation. But after the fall of communism that date was brought forward to the 8th, the day marked by the Western Allies. And this year’s celebration is bigger than the 50th anniversary, allegedly because of the increased pride the Czechs feel in their own role in the liberation, the security they feel in their own nation, now firmly based in Europe, and the fact that they are less troubled by their association with the Soviets as victors of the war.
There are liberation celebrations all over town today —parades of military vehicles and veterans in historical uniforms, military bands and concerts honoring WWII heroes, and memorial ceremonies for those who lost their lives during the war. We went to see the parade at Letna, where around 1,100 people, 250 vehicles and 9 horses marched in what was the biggest military parade in the Czech Republic since 1989. Besides the land forces, there was a fly-by of Czech helicopters, two types of Czech-made subsonic fighters and for the first time ever - a couple of brand new Jas-39 Gripen fighter jets that will gradually replace an aging fleet of Soviet Migs. In addition to the marching units, there were two concert stages (Czech military and jazz bands playing American tunes, prominently featuring Frank Sinatra) and lots of veterans and enthusiasts showing off old vehicles and supplies, including replicas of compounds and mess halls. Among the guests of honor were many war veterans, the Czech Defense Minister, Karel Kuehnl and, as the supreme commander of the Czech Armed Forces, President Vaclav Klaus. A parachute jump was scheduled for 2pm, but we saw no signs of any jumpers, probably because it was so windy. Around 3pm, we saw the military helicopters fly overhead, but no sign of anyone getting ready to jump. By that time, however, we had made our way to Dejvicka, where there were demarcation zones arranged with cultural events and national food from America, Russia, England, France, Czechoslovakia and Poland. There were bands on several stages, including the “presentation of new anniversary hymn Dejvická demarkačni,” introduced by President Vaclav Klaus. This was followed by another Czech military band, first with baton twirlers and then military drills, after which there were assorted modern groups, many of whom sang American songs (Broadway tunes and rock and roll), mostly in Czech.
We made another excursion into town later in the evening, this time to the Old Town Square where a gala concert for heroes was scheduled. But we found no concert. There were fireworks on Strelecky ostrov island, but only a short display which we missed. So our evening ended quietly, with no loud music and raucous crowds at the end of the day. Fortunately, the rain had stopped, so walking around town was quite pleasant.
Meanwhile, back in the US, today is Mother’s Day. I miss my favorite mothers – Caroline, Joy, and Lorraine – who are in Denver, which at times like these seems far away. My day was complete when I got a call from Matt. He’s finishing final exams this week and will be leave next Friday to spend the summer in Denver. I also received a nice mother’s day greeting from Molly, who has just returned to the US from Georgia.

posted by JWinn @ 11:45 PM