Ansbach Middle High School & Vilseck High School – Drill Teams Remember WWI Liberators in the Czech Republic

On May 3rd, 2024, twenty-one drill team members from the 9th JROTC Battalion from Ansbach Middle High School and the 18th JROTC Battalion from Vilseck High School traveled to the Czech Republic to perform at the opening ceremony for the Liberation Festival Pilsen 2024. Pilsen in the Czech Republic holds the annual festival to commemorate the liberation of the city by American and Belgian troops from Nazi occupation on May 6, 1945.

This year’s audience included approximately 30 family members, descendants of American and Belgian veterans who participated in the liberation of Pilsen and Western Bohemia. Cadet Cora Kline said, “I liked performing for the Veterans’ families showing my appreciation and bringing them joy.” The performance took place on Republic Square in the center of the old city and was projected on a large screen behind the performers. The drill teams both received hearty applause from the spectators. First Deputy Mayor Pavel Bosák, remarked, “I am very happy that, thanks to the cooperation with the US Embassy, it was possible to enrich this year’s program with the performance of young American students.”

The cadets stayed overnight in the city and the following day, they toured WWII military encampments, visited the Patton Museum, and viewed the “Thank you America” monument. The city of Pilsen then presented each cadet with a book written in both Czech and English, that contained stories of the liberators.  Performing in Pilsen was a truly memorable event for the cadets. Reflecting after the performance, Cadet Nolan Aranha remarked, “I felt proud to represent America and the history we have with the Czech people and the city of Pilsen.” Cadet David Arzuza Rivera said, “I felt nervous, yet proud to perform in front of hundreds of people and I’m glad I was able to make them happy.” Cadet Jessica Gomes remarked “Not only was this the coolest thing I have done, but I didn’t just read about history, I actually touched it.” Cadet Briseis Palomarez said “Walking through the encampments and seeing the reenactors living the way Soldiers did gave me a better understanding of the sacrifices of our military.” And with a giant smile stated “Oh, and I got to take a picture with General Patton.”