(cnn)a convoy of us army armored vehicles is drawing crowds, cheers and tears as it makes an 1,100 mile journey from the baltics through poland and the czech republic to germany the trek is being made by troops from the 3rd squadron, 2nd cavalry regiment and is dubbed a 'dragoon ride' after the unit's nickname, the dragoons it is designed to show solidarity to allies in the wake of recent russian actions in ukraine and crimea that have eastern europe on edge 'the engagements will provide a highly visible demonstration of us commitment to the residents in each of the nations and the resolve of nato as an alliance,' according to a pentagon statement according to reports from the route, it seems to be delivering on that 'this really means a lot to us we see that we are not alone, that there is someone to defend us,' zdzislaw narel, 60, told the associated press as the convoy made a stop in bialystok, poland  'i've read about the former times for me, what's happening now is a little scary i think it (the american presence) makes people feel safer,' viktorija maciulyte, 18, told stars and stripes newspaper at a stop in panevezys, lithuania troops say they can see the effects, too 'the older people start getting emotional i had one lady came up to me crying,' spc john zagozdon, 25, told stripes 'they were all really grateful' 'it makes a difference when you see us soldiers parked in your parking lot,' capt jon challgren is quoted as saying in the stripes report the convoy, which began on saturday, is expected to take 11 days to its end at rose barracks in vilseck, germany, about 40 miles from the czech border it is being supported by nato military units and us air force planes and army helicopter units for reconnaissance and resupply, according to an army statement
1,100 mile us convoy european
1,100 mile convoy designed to reassure allies of us commitment . convoy moving through six european countries . 'it makes a difference when you see us soldiers parked in your parking lot,' captain says 