I would like to thank Jan Vytopil, Counsellor & Deputy Head of Mission at the Czech Embassy in Manila for inviting Rosalie and myself to the National Day of the Czech Republic event being held at the Czech Embassy this October 27th. I was invited for my work on a couple of POW rosters which included the names of many Czech citizens who, rather than surrender to the Japanese occupying forces, chose to move to Bataan and take up arms against the Japanese. Many died in this effort. Several on Hellships. Some endured the Death March and Camp ODonnell. Some were liberated from Bilibid prison and Cabanatuan at wars end. Some liberated from slave labor Camps. Our soldiers had no choice but to stand and fight. These brave Czechs had a choice and they chose to defend the Philippines and fight along Filipinos and Americans. I salute these brave men who suffered a high percentage of deaths among their ranks. They deserve some attention and a salute from all of us for their sacrifice.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 06:18:33 +0000
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