Czechoslovakia on Parade (1938)

James A. FitzPatrick: Self - Narrator

Quotes 

• James A. FitzPatrick : The boundary lines of an empire are as changeable as the course of human events.

• James A. FitzPatrick : [on Prague Castle]  Within the castle grounds, there is a quaint little thoroughfare referred to as Gold Street - because, according to tradition, it was here, in these little houses, that the old Jewish alchemists were imprisoned under orders to manufacture artificial gold for their freedom.

• James A. FitzPatrick : [on the Týn Church in Prague]  The old town square in front of the church has been a gathering place for important events, which two famous old faces have looked down upon through centuries of time. One, the face of a Jewish clock - with hands that move backwards over Hebrew letters. And the other, the face of a Christian clock, constructed in the year of 14 hundred and 8, and regarded as one of the mechanical wonders of the world.

• James A. FitzPatrick : [in Prague]  A remarkable feature about this national parade is the complete absence of any display of military glamour or strength. Instead of guns, they carry violins. And the feet that once beat upon these pavements in military precision are now supplanted by feet that dance.

• [last lines] 

  James A. FitzPatrick : The casual observer may look upon this as just a colorful parade. But it is more than that. It represents the spirit of a people who have dedicated themselves to the cause of liberty, fraternity, and equality. A cause which reflects itself even in the face of the plainest peasant girl, and around which revolves the hope and the future of Czechoslovakia.