DAPHNE, Ala. — A special guest impressed the crowd during Coffee with the Mayor Nov. 29 as he stood in his army uniform and pledged to the American flag.

Glenn Frazier, a WWII prisoner of war, told of his experiences during battles in the Philippines and as a “guest of the emperor” in Japan.

Frazier described sections from his book, “Hell’s Guest.” He explained that he was taken prisoner after the U.S. surrender in the Philippines following the Bataan Death March.

He said he was taken to a Japanese prison camp where he was severely mistreated and demoralized. This demoralization caused a hatred for his captors — and years of heartache. The struggle led to the moral of his book: forgiveness.

Frazier admitted that after much resistance and prayer, he was able to forgive his captors and even kiss his wife’s new, Japanese-made Honda.

There were no questions for Frazier after his account. The crowd sat silently, letting the story sink in. There were some questions and comments, however, for Mayor Fred Small from community members.

A few questions were raised regarding Councilwoman Regina Landry’s replacement. Landry recently resigned her position, citing a future marriage and plans to move to Fairhope.

Small said the council will interview seven candidates at the Dec. 10 meeting and that they will appoint someone on Dec. 17.

Next came comments on the city’s latest projects.

“I have received many compliments from visitors to the new Daphne High School football stadium. There were some championship games there and the work done on the stadium made an impression on the visitors,” said Daphne High School football coach, Glenn Vickery.

Small announced that the City Hall’s construction should be done by the end of May or June and that city employees should be moving into the new phase in eight to 10 weeks.