Freedom Festival in Pilsen, Czech Republic
Members of the Nebraska National Guard color guard participate in the Convoy of Liberty parade, May 4, 2025, at the Freedom Festival in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The festival celebrates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen on May 6, 1945, by American Soldiers in the 16th Armored Division. Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska National Guard adjutant general, and Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, Texas National Guard adjutant general, along with senior leaders from both states traveled to Pilsen to participate in the parade as part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. Along with the parade, they also attended commemoration ceremonies, wreath laying, and visited the Thank you, America! Memorial and the 17th Fusilier Battalion & 16th Armored Division memorial plaque. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jamie Syniy)