<Begin Segment 42>

TI: Is there anything else that you'd like to share with us?

GH: Well, if you come to Washington, I certainly wish you would visit the National Japanese American Memorial. It's a beautiful memorial, situated in Washington, D.C., equal distance from the capitol and Union Station. And I think it tells a lot of stories, the story about the Japanese immigrant to this country, the story about the Japanese American experience in the American culture, about the... valor and loyalty of men and women who fought to defend our country. Also it tells about the, how great our nation is, that, that admitted the error that perpetrated against its citizens, and made amends. Well, I guess...

TI: And how, how involved were you with helping to make that happen?

GH: Well, JAVA was involved, and as a member --

TI: JAVA meaning the Japanese American Veterans Association.

GH: Yes. I did participate. But most of all, I think it does remind us of the fragility of our Constitution, and the, and that it requires, to be vigilant, that it should not happen again. Well, I'm glad I had a chance to serve my country. I'm glad I had a chance to exercise my right and duties as a citizen, and to fight to defend my country and to fight for freedom and equality. And we fought side by side, shoulder to shoulder with Americans of many different cultures, and we proved, I hope, that America is not a matter of race, color of skin, but it has to do with heart, mind, spirit, conviction, and love of freedom.

TI: Very good. Well, thank you so much, that's a perfect way to end this interview.

<End Segment 42> - Copyright © 2006 Densho. All Rights Reserved.