I’ve been reading excerpts from the Manzanar Free Press, a newspaper from the WWII Japanese interment camp along I-395 called Mazanar, which was near Independence CA. Here is one entry from March 20, 1943, that I found moving:
What Manzanar Has Taught Me
Manzanar, the valley of wind and dust, has taught me something which I never knew.
Every day at the mess hall, at the post office, the canteen, the dry goods stores, and offices, you must always wait. Day by day, gradually I am learning how to become a better citizen of my community by learning to cooperate and await my turn.
Reaching one’s goal involves patience and waiting. Wait patiently and look forward to the day which we are all awaiting anxiously—the day of World Peace.
Ritsuko Hoshizaki, Age 16.
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