Welcome Addition

On my first night back I strolled the old neighborhood.

Having walked home from school for four years, I once knew every house and car. It was still familiar, with the primary changes being the replacement of single-family homes by apartment buildings. The total lack of street parking results in cars overflowing sidewalks and encroaching on corners and fire hydrants.

One welcome addition is the office of the Sons and Daughters of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) in 1993, one block off King Street. Back in the 1960's everyone in Hawaii knew about the 442nd. Made up of young first-generation Japanese men (Nisei), many of whose families were in the internment camps, the 442nd became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history. Its soldiers were awarded 21 Medals of Honor and 9,486 Purple Hearts.

The RCT's complement of 4,000 men turned over twice because of combat casualties, yet there was no shortage of Nisei volunteers.

These young men had every reason to be bitter--perhaps some were--but their deeds surpassed many who experienced no injustice. To this day their choices and accomplishments inspire awe.