My father’s embroidery while POW
We are very fortunate to have been included in the Kriegie Kids, Germany/Poland trip. We saw and experienced places and people we wouldn’t have seen or met as individual travelers. We were welcomed by town officials and folks who were just glad to show off their homelands.
In the beginning of the trip we were a little anxious about the receptions that awaited us, after all our fathers bombed their cities and more likely than not, some of their family members died in the war. It didn’t take long to realize our guests, in so many ways, were also victims of the Nazi dictatorship.
The most moving statement I heard during the entire trip was made by the Fallingbostel historian when he said, “we thank your country for making Democracy possible in our country.” I am told that crisis is the time that the most significant advancements are made; maybe that can be said about war. Glad the advancements were positive.
Just a few notes about our trip; 13 hotel stays in 29 days, (including the ten days in the U.K.) 2002 miles driven in Germany and Poland and we hit 110 miles per hour (178 kilometers per hour) several times on the autobahn. The film crew shot over 24 hours of digital film and the five Kriegie Kids became close friends.
I hope that the work the television crew has accomplished will become a documentary that helps preserve the memories of our country’s sacrifice in WWII. When war is the only answer, I’m thankful our country’s mission is to freedom and not occupation. Our German friends are appreciative also
I hope to return and visit Vic’s first Stalag, Stalag Luft VI in Heydekrug, East Prussia, now Silutes, Lithuania. It is a little too close to Russia at the moment to visit.
It’s very good to be home. Jim and Pam
James V. (Vic) Hemphill, Jr.
