National Memorial Arboretum plaque unveiling to Czechoslovak WWII Veterans

On Friday 20th June, The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, attended the unveiling of a memorial to the Czechoslovak WWII Veterans who fought alongside the Allies at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.  Guests also included The Czech, Slovak  & Ambassador’s, British Ambassador to the Slovak Republic and representatives from the Army & the Royal Air Force.

This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and to commemorate this important event, the Memorial Association for Free Czechoslovak Veterans (MAFCSV) unveiled their new monument.

The National Memorial Arboretum is the national site of remembrance in the UK spread across 150 acres of woodland and gardens. Over 400 monuments are situated in the beautifully landscaped grounds, but up to now there has not been anything to commemorate our WWII Czechoslovak veterans.

This national site welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year, as well as many acts of remembrance taking place. Most importantly, visits by some 20,000 children are made so they can learn why their freedom is so precious.

It is the perfect setting to give ‘our thanks’ for the contribution made by the Czechoslovak men and women across the many theatres of war in which they took part. It will ensure their memory and the values they fought for are preserved for future generations.

Eighty years on from the end of World War II, the risk is that the values of democracy and freedom our veterans cherished are being eroded. It is a critical moment in history when we should establish a permanent reminder that freedom is not free, and came at a great cost, in lives and suffering. 2025 is an important anniversary year and as such there will be a great deal of interest on the veterans, their courage and sacrifices.

The wording has been chosen to reflect both the battle for freedom and democracy our veterans took part in from 1938, but also the subsequent struggle and persecution they experienced until late 1989. Only then was Czechoslovakia truly ‘free’. Their own moto of ‘Truth Prevails’ is one that survives the test of time and is equally important today.

‘Operation Our Thanks’ is an opportunity for the friends of the MAFCSV and supportive representatives from the British, Czech and Slovak communities, to join us in honouring the service and sacrifice of our Czechoslovak veterans.

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