A memorial service at Vítkov se Pavel, who gave a speech, is also participating, as well as Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Minister of Defense Jana Černochová, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (all ODS), Speaker of the House of Representatives Markéta Pekarová Adamová (TOP09) and Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka. The event will also include a flyover of airplanes and helicopters of the Army Air Forces.
The head of state greeted the soldiers and then the traditional Czech anthem was played. The soldiers then brought the historical banners and the ceremony continued with the laying of wreaths at the memorial. Likewise, they traditionally honored the fallen soldiers present with a minute of silence.
79th anniversary of the end of World War II in Vítkov (8 May 2024) | Lightning: Martin Pribyl
In his speech, President Pavel praised the soldiers and civilians who “actively resisted evil so that future generations could live out their lives in peace”, and all the more, according to him, the “paradox of Russia” is more pronounced.
“Russia, then the Soviet Union, was part of the coalition that fought the aggression and ultimately defeated it. Now it has itself become the aggressor who started the war.” Pavel stated. “In contrast, the defeated Nazi Germany at the time became a democratic country after deep reflection, which helps to maintain stability,” he added.
According to the head of state, the war in Ukraine is a difficult test for everyone, and without support and alliance, according to the president, we cannot face the danger alone. “In this context, the entry of the Czech Republic into NATO was a turning point. We are a country with a negative experience with the expansionism of our distant and near neighbors, and we have lost hope for free development.” said Pavel when recalling our history. However, according to Pavel, we are stronger with our partners and investing in defense and security is our biggest guarantee of safety.
Pavel recalled his predecessor, the late president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. “Indifference to others and to the world is what opens the door to evil,” Pavel recalled the words of Havel.
“Security and freedom have never been free and will not happen just by asking for it. We have to do a lot and sacrifice something for it. And sometimes the ultimate sacrifice is needed, which is why today we remember those who made a difference so that we can live in peace. Honor to their memory,” he finished his speech. After the speech, Czech army helicopters and airplanes flew over Vítkov.
Fiala: We must continue to help Ukraine
Prime Minister Petr Fiala spoke similarly. He told journalists after the ceremony that he is glad that the Czech Republic is an active player in the fight for security. “What the events of World War II and its aftermath remind us is that security must be achieved in cooperation with our allies,” he pointed out.
“The danger is permanent, and that’s why we have to do what we do. Supporting Ukraine, strengthening our security and NATO’s eastern flank, and showing that we are ready to defend ourselves,” he added. Fiala also said that everyone who downplays or downplays the threat from Russia is doing the Czech Republic a disservice.
The President of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, in turn mentioned that our task is to expand the community of democratic and free countries as much as possible. “We live in safety and freedom, and we should do everything we can to keep it that way,” stated that such benefits are not a matter of course.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Markéta Pekarová Adamová also mentioned gratitude to the fallen and aggression in Ukraine. “We want to show support to those who fight for us too, to live in peace.” According to her, the conflict continues because there are simply people of ill will among us. It has its own stages and development, and according to her, it is up to us how we can face the germs of evil.
Commemorative events on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will also be held, for example, in Brno, Pardubice, Havlíčková Brod or Liberec. In Hranice, there will be a ceremonial entry of Czech and American army units. Senate President Vystrčil and Prague Mayor Svoboda will also take part in a memorial service to honor the memory of the victors over Nazism at Prague’s Olšan Cemetery.
Tonight, the Straka Academy, i.e. the seat of the Czech government, will be ceremonially lit up in the Czech tricolor.
