Letter From Japanese American In Service
[Editorial]

To the Editor: Recently the following letter from a former Japanese resident of Watsonville (now in the service) came to my attention. It struck me so forcibly that I asked permission to send it to you, thinking it might be of interest to your readers.

--HENRY B. ADAMS.

March 17, 1944.

"As twilight surrounds the celestial sphere once more and the momentum of the usual daily activities has slowed down to its minimum, I find myself with sufficient time to drop you a few lines.

"Before proceeding any further, I wish to thank you for your most welcome letter. It was indeed a surprise to hear from you. I am very grateful to you for even remembering me.

"In this time of controversy and turmoil, the reminiscence of my Sunday school days strikes me very vividly. And when I think of you, I can recall my mischievousness and aggravation I have caused you.

"As I grow older, I come to realize the essentiality of Christianity. I have been serving my country with pride and honor for three years now, and during that time I have undergone a severe test of prejudice and discrimination because of my physical appearance and characteristics. For us Japanese-Americans, we have two battles to win, the first one is against our enemy abroad and the second one is the fight for our rights and pursuit of happiness. I am more than determined to meet all obstacles because I have God in my heart.

"As you know, I am married now. Above all, I'm thankful that both of us believe in the same God and we put all our faith and trust in Him.

"Some day, I may have to go across, but I can truthfully say this, and that is I fear not because wherever I am, I am not alone.

"I also pray that the people of Watsonville and elsewhere may understand us Niseis in the armed forces of the U.S. We serve our country, and fight for one cause and determination, and that is to preserve our freedom of rights and liberty.

"Hoping that this incoherent letter didn't bore you to any great extent. Until again, God bless you.

A friend, "CHARLES"

Source: Watsonville Register-Pajaronian , page 6
Date: 1944-05-29
Type: NEWS; DOCUMENT
Coverage: 1940s
Rights: Copyrighted by the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian. Reproduced by permission.
Identifier: LN-1944-05-29-981

Collection

Citation

“Letter From Japanese American In Service[Editorial].” Watsonville Register-Pajaronian , page 6. 1944-05-29. SCPL Local History. https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/items/show/134672. Accessed 4 May 2024.