Victory Europe Day in Hranice, Czechia

Credit: Maj. Brandin Walker | Date Taken: 05/08/2024
Lt. Col. Kevin Hoffman, commander of 3d Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, addressed the gathering of US and Czech Armies that comprise Task Force St. Lo during Immediate Response 24 to celebrate Victory Europe Day in Hranice, Czechia, on May 8, 2024. The ceremony pays homage to those who have fallen in service to their country and highlights the importance of the partnership between the United States and Czechia. DEFENDER is a Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, and is a U.S. European Command scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted exercise that consists of Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. DEFENDER 24 is linked to NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercise, and DoD’s Large Scale Global Exercise, taking place from 28 March to 31 May. DEFENDER 24 is the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe and includes more than 17,000 U.S. and 23,000 multinational service members from more than 20 Allied and partner nations, including Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Maj. Brandin Walker)