Otakar Červený - Mecenáš československých legií v Rusku – Pavlík Jiří (2014)

The publication by Jiří Pavlík is dedicated to the legionnaire and native of Hradec Králové, Otakar Červený, who, although he did not fight with a weapon in hand on the battlefields of World War I, significantly contributed to the formation of the Czechoslovak foreign resistance and legions in Russia. The author also highlights the very brave and commendable behavior of Otakar's wife, Marie, a supporter of the legions, rightly nicknamed the 'Mother of the Legions.' The poignant life story of the Červený couple is vividly depicted not only against the backdrop of the formation of the Czechoslovak legions but especially in the context of the challenging establishment of the central expatriate resistance headquarters in Russia, in which O. Červený actively participated. The Červený couple also earned considerable respect and recognition from Czechoslovak legionnaires by providing them with financial assistance, healthcare, and organizing various support events for them. Through their selfless activities, they became an important part of the Czechoslovak foreign resistance in Russia. Their dedicated work was later acknowledged by the top representatives of the newly formed Czechoslovak Republic, who granted the Červenýs the appropriate recognition.