In the mountains of New Taipei City, Taiwan, on November 13, 2011, representatives of several nations dedicated a small park to the memory of servicemen who endured harsh slave-labor conditions there during the Second World War II. Diplomats from Holland, Britain, and the United States spoke at the event. The Taiwan Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America participated. Another participant was a man in his nineties, who had once been a prisoner there at the infamous Kinkaseki (Jinguashi, in Chinese) Prisoner of War Camp #1, near Jiufen.
The Speakers
The Bagpiper
She wasn't really Scottish. She told me that her ancestry was Italian.
The Ribbon Cutting
The Old Soldier, Ken Pett
An old sailor (yours truly) and an honored old soldier. In the photos below are Tina and my son Enoch helping him along.
Other Events
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| Michael Hurst, head of P.O.W. Taiwan, speaks |
Photo Opportunities
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From left, Andrew, Ray Heberer IV, Jerry Mills, diplomat, AIT Director William Stanton, Andy Bryson, Troop Leader Bill Bryson, Enoch Mills, Tina, Boy Scout, Boy Scout, Taiwan Boy Scout Commissioner Ray Heberer III, and Scout leader David Geddes. The OA is Scouting's camping and service honor society, the "brotherhood of cheerful service!"With the exception of Tina, all Scouts and Scout leaders pictured are members of the Order of the Arrow. Eagle Scouts in this photo are AIT Director Stanton, Andy Bryson, both Heberers, and Mr. Geddes. |
At left, I'm standing with AIT Director William Stanton. At right (left to right), Ray Heberer III, Stanton, and Kevin
The Memorial
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| "A man needed mates to survive." |
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| "Stoop, angels, thither from the skies! There is no holier spot of ground Than where defeated valor lies, By mourning beauty crowned." --Henry Timrod |
For more information on this event, go to http://www.powtaiwan.org
