At the Donation Ceremony on February 7th, 2013, at the Laogai Museum in Washington DC, Michael Rogatchi’s Year 1953 painting has been unveiled and donated to this extraordinary human rights institution in the presence of the Museum Founder and its Executive President Harry Wu and the distiguished audience was comprised of representatives of several Embassies, prolific American historians, academics, military, politicians and the leading media representatives. Member of The European Parliament and leading Finnish politican Sari Essayah, who also is a member of The Rogatchi Foundation International Advisory Board, was the Guest of the Honour at the event.
Among the distinguished public figures who were speaking at the ceremony were outstanding fighter for human rights in China Harry Wu, famous historian and author of many key books on modern history Jerrold Schecter, founder and president of the Institute of World Politics Professor John Lenczowski, member of the European Parliament from Finland Sari Essayah.
Michael Rogatchi and Inna Rogatchi both were speaking at the ceremony as well; Michael told the audience of his experience of being born and growing up in Gulag and then reflecting it in his work; and Inna pointed out the connections between Michael’s and Harry Wu‘s experience in Laogai, the Chinese ‘twin’ of Gulag, and why The Rogatchi Foundation decided to donate the special work of Michael to the Laogai Museum.
Among the distinguished audience were such legendary figures as Brigadier General James Hutchens and his wife, well-known artist Pat Mercer Hutchen, Rear Admiral David N. Rogers, Professor Juliana Geran Pilon, renowed historian Leona Schecter, the leading authority on terrorism Erick Stakelbeck, representatives from the Embassies of Finland, Spain, Czech Republic and Hungary, representatives from The Heritage Foundation, along with others.
The Rogatchi Foundation expresses its great satisfaction with the fact that this special work of art has found its home within the walls of The Laogai Foundation, unique among the world of institutions, which builds up awareness of the real situation of human rights in China with outstanding courage, clarity and determination.