Remember Pearl Harbor

During a pilgrimage to Ernie Pyle’s grave at Punchbowl Cemetery in Hawaii in June of 2006, the 65th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, I hoped to find material to write about the event that prompted America to enter the
Second World War.

Mr. Pyle provided the inspiration by leading me to the NISEI- second generation Japanese Americans who fought for America during World War II. Thanks to the Terry Shima, Executive Director of the Japanese Americans Veterans Association, several extraordinary stories evolved about the NISEI Soldiers who founded and served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Combat Regimental Team and Military Intelligence Service. These accounts provide a remarkable look back into the NISEI lives following the Pearl Harbor attack. Despite the discrimination, not one of these veterans expressed disgust or hatred for how they were treated afterwards. All I repeatedly heard was the intense desire and opportunity to demonstrate their love and loyalty to the United States. Thank God the chance was given them for they have left a powerful legacy for all Americans.