JROTC help honor the history of Czech liberation

By John W. Sabala and Lauryn Argallon-GarciaFebruary 17, 2015

Color guard
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Paying their respects
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ROKYCANY, Czech Republic -- There are many advantages military high school dependents stationed overseas get to enjoy over their stateside counterparts. One of these advantages is getting to experience locations with significant stories in history. Many get to travel to places most high school students only read about in history books.

The Vilseck High School, 18th Junior ROTC Falcon Battalion, makes it a point for their cadets to make the most of these types of opportunities that exist while living in Bavaria.

On Nov. 16, 2014, 18 cadets from the Falcon Battalion traveled to Rokycany, Czech Republic to participate in the celebration of liberation of Czechoslovakia from Nazi Germany during World War II; this marked the 25th year Rokycany has celebrated its liberation.

The area around Rokycany marks the furthest point east that U.S. Forces advanced before Germany's surrender. This celebration is one of many unique opportunities VHS JROTC cadets.

The cadets provided a color guard and an exhibition drill team to help Rokycany remember the sacrifices of its own citizens and the Allied forces that fought to help liberate the country.

Czechoslovakia spent the longest amount of time under Nazi occupation. The German army seized power in September 1938 when Hitler moved unopposed into the country.

Rokycany has continued its special relationship with its American friends living in Germany after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Over the years, Falcon Battalion has supported Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations, specifically Post 10394 in Grafenwoehr with several events like the one in Rokycany.

The battalion has built a special relationship with the citizens of Rokycany, American and Czech veterans of World War II, and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment stationed in Rose Barracks. 2CR's history is embedded with the Rokycany liberation as it was 2CR troops that first entered the town.

The experience is one none of the cadets will soon forget. To take part in re-living history made memories and provided something a classroom education often lacks when studying history.

This commemoration gave Cadets a real connection to a piece of history and created a deeper understanding of one of the most influential events in the 20th century. The cadets are already talking about what they will do at next year's ceremony.

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