World Wars memorial

The World Wars memorial in Trhová Kamenice stands in the upper part of Raisovo náměstí, the town's main square, directly in front of the church and the primary school. This is the town's central place of remembrance, honouring the victims of both the First and Second World Wars, and its own history mirrors the turbulent fate of Czechoslovakia in the 20th century.

When was the memorial unveiled?

The memorial was first unveiled on 28 October 1936 — the anniversary of Czechoslovakia's founding in 1918. The date was chosen deliberately, drawing a direct line between the sacrifice made by local residents in the Great War and the independence the country had gained partly as a result.

Why was it unveiled more than once?

The memorial's history is closely tied to the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. Its original design included a bust of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the country's first president. During the Nazi occupation, this bust — a potent symbol of Czechoslovak statehood — had to be hidden, as the occupiers systematically removed any public trace of Masaryk's legacy. Residents of Trhová Kamenice managed to protect the bust from destruction. It was not until 29 July 1945, after the end of the war and the liberation of Czechoslovakia, that the hidden bust was returned to its place on the memorial during a further unveiling ceremony.

What exactly does this memorial commemorate?

The monument on Raisovo náměstí brings together the memory of the victims of both world wars in a single site, which is why it is known locally as the memorial "to the victims of the 1st and 2nd World War." It is the town's principal and most prominent site of wartime remembrance, standing at the very heart of Trhová Kamenice, visible to anyone crossing the main square.

Where exactly is it located?

The memorial stands in the upper section of Raisovo náměstí, the main square of Trhová Kamenice, directly facing the church and the primary school building. This placement, surrounded by the town's most important public buildings, reflects the significance the local community has always attached to this site.

Are there other war memorials in Trhová Kamenice?

Yes, the town and its surroundings preserve additional memorials connected to the world wars, a reminder of how deeply the conflicts of the 20th century affected this small community. The monument on Raisovo náměstí, however, remains the main and most recognisable of them, thanks to its central location and the symbolic story of Masaryk's bust.

Frequently asked questions

When was the memorial in Trhová Kamenice unveiled? It was first unveiled on 28 October 1936, on the anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia.

What does the memorial feature? It includes a bust of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Czechoslovakia's first president, which was hidden from destruction during the Nazi occupation.

When did Masaryk's bust return to the memorial? It was returned on 29 July 1945, after the war had ended and the country was liberated.

Where exactly does the memorial stand? In the upper part of Raisovo náměstí in Trhová Kamenice, in front of the church and the primary school.

Who is this memorial dedicated to? To the victims of both the First and Second World Wars, which is reflected in its full local name.