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Amie Rae’s Letter:
Japanese Internment
Dearest Riku,
We are so far apart now. I am in Poston
in Arizona. It is quite different from California, but it
is not intolerable. In Salinas, it was wonderful all year
and Father would never leave the rake out for fear it would
take root and grow into a tree. Here in Arizona, not even
the tough grasses grow. My father, I think, suffers the
most. He is worried about our farm. I know the neighbors
will take care of things for us until we get back, but when
I tell him this, he just stares at me a while and then goes
back to his worries. I do so miss the vegetables. Things
here are very bland to eat. I hunger for artichokes and
fresh seafood. And I miss my books. It was a horror to have
to decide what would fit into my suitcase and what could
be left behind. I made many foolish choices.
Did you hear about Yoshiko Uchida? She
and her family are in Topaz. She wrote me a long letter
and told me to take pride in our place in this country.
She talked of the Indian people and how they also were relocated.
Perhaps soon America will be relocating the German and Italian
people as well. I can’t imagine it will only be the
Japanese. Yoshiko said a newspaper had printed a letter
by Mike Masaoka of the Japanese American Citizens League.
He spoke well of the Executive Orders 9066 and 9102 which
requested our removal from the general populations. He said
we would willingly go into exile to prove our loyalty and
that we are true Americans. I don’t much care for
the barbed wire or the close quarters or this heat, but
I agree that we are well and safe. I know I tend to my studies
and my embroidery while others around the world fight this
heart-hurting war. Our little room here is neither pretty
nor big enough to be a home, but I know I am safe here in
building 47 away from the raging world.
It was frightening to see how quickly
my friends were not my friends anymore when the Japanese
people attacked Hawaii. Did you face the same response?
Even Marlene, the girl I have known since first grade, asked
me why I was telling war secrets to the enemy. I think she
was influenced by her mother. She could not have thought
that bad about me and have forgotten so easily that I also
am an American.
My cousin and uncle have both left now
for the army. They are to be part of a Japanese Nisei division
called the 442nd Combat Team. They will only be permitted
to fight in Europe. I know they will do well. Toro Hirose
wrote to Father last week. He said the unit’s motto
was Go For Broke. I am not sure of its meaning. I think
it means something from a dice game. I do know that the
442nd is learning to fly planes.
It is very odd for Mother. She has always
had to take care of our food and studies; she rarely left
the house in Salinas. Now there are people here to watch
the children and cook the food so her hands are not busy.
She signed to take some courses in English. She is also
taking classes in accounting. When we leave here, she will
be quite qualified.
I hope you and your sisters are well in
Manzanar. Do not look toward the fences. Look instead at
the sun and moon and know that I am here thinking of you.
One day this nightmare will be over and we will be welcomed
back home and be able to get back to our farms and stores.
Shuke is calling to me to play with the baseball. Be well.
Yours affectionately,
Amie Rae
Amie Rae’s
Letter: Japanese Internment (PDF File)
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