Bolevec honored the courage of Barbora Raisová and celebrated freedom at the farm U Matoušů

On Saturday, May 2, the Bolevec square came alive with a festive program on the occasion of honoring the memory of Barbora Raisová, the last owner of the U Matoušů estate. It was at this place on May 4, 1945 that Barbora Raisová showed immense bravery. Although the estate was occupied by a German motorized unit, she decided to act based on reports from foreign radio. With the help of a local blacksmith, she hung the Czechoslovak flag on a massive linden tree in front of the building. It flew there for several hours before the retreating German soldiers discovered it and shot it down. This act of patriotism is reminiscent of the "Lípa svobody" (Liberty Linden) planted three years ago, which replaced the original tree that succumbed to a storm in 1960. However, the story of Barbora Raisová, whom the locals nicknamed "Bábinka", was not easy even after the war. Although she risked her life in 1945, the communist regime repaid her cruelly. In 1952, the farm was taken over by the JZD and Mrs. Raisová was sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason for her activities (including translating letters from English). She was released in 1956 and lived on the farm with her family until 1978.

The Saturday program began at 2 p.m. with the stylish arrival of historic military vehicles, which transported dancers from the Dance by Lion's club to the square. They moved the audience with a performance to the energetic music of the Tuten Swing group. Everything culminated at 4 p.m. with a memorial service. The entire event, accompanied by a moving listening to the national anthem, was organized by the First Pilsen District in cooperation with the Pilsen-Bolevec Open Air Museum. Thanks went to everyone who came to honor the memory of a woman whose courage remains an integral part of the history of the district.