<Begin Segment 22>

DM: Well, it sounds like, in some ways, a political fight, which is something that brings me to another topic. You've been a very public figure, and I'm sure that you've been, become well-acquainted with many politicians and dignitaries from other countries. So I was wondering if you could just share some highlights of some of those acquaintances and friendships that you made.

BS: I've been, yeah, I've been very blessed as far as, as far as the White House is concerned. Let's see, I've met President Nixon, President Ford, President Kennedy, President Reagan. I didn't see President Carter, but I met President Clinton and also President Bush. But the ones that I think that I had the most learning experience, and I think that maybe they, they asked us for advice, was way back from the Colorado governor, Governor Romer, and following Governor Romer was Governor Owen, and now Governor Ritter. But, and then being on several committees that all these governors have appointed me in the Department of Agriculture. But now, why, I am tapering off unless they call me for any advice. I'm very proud that my son, Robert, Robert T., we call him RT, he has been asked to serve, and he's been well-respected in the state legislature. And he's been asked by Governor Romer many, many years ago to take, to be on the State Water, the State Water Quality Commission, and was appointed to chairman for many, many years. And when Governor Owen took over, he thought that that'd be, he'd be gone. But they reappointed him again, and Governor Ritter reappointed him again. So he's been, he's been more involved than I have been now in the political scene. But I do, I am flattered by the fact that I'm still asked.

Now, now overseas, one of the greatest blessings that ever been bestowed upon our family was when the emperor and the empress of Japan wanted to visit our home where we hosted them. And, and they, in return, they invited our family to the Imperial Palace about three years ago. So that was probably one of the greatest, prestigious things that ever been bestowed to our family.

DM: That's a real honor and something that not very many people can say.

BS: That's right.

DM: Are there any other things that you wanted to get down in the interview, things that you wanted to raise, issues or memories that you wanted to mention?

BS: No, I just want to congratulate this organization for doing what you are doing because, you know, as I tell my children, "One of the greatest legacy that I could leave is what I taught you and where you have become great contributors to society." And I think what your organization is doing is trying to preserve some of the great things that the Isseis and Niseis have done, especially our Isseis. And that history is too valuable to just lose. So I congratulate you for going through all this exercise in trying to preserve the history of the contributions that the Isseis and Niseis have made to the American society. Thank you, Daryl.

DM: Thank you so much, Bob. You know, it's a real pleasure and an honor to be able to talk with you today, and I just wanted to close by saying you've had an incredible journey.

BS: Yes.

DM: From ten acres in Alviso to three thousand acres in Brighton, and I agree with you completely that this history is too valuable to lose. So thank you for sharing it with us.

BS: Thank you, and there's one thing that -- I know this is a very sensitive subject to talk about, which is religion. But I know that my journey could not have come to this point, because I recognized early that without faith -- I don't care who -- but for me, without faith in God, there is no meaning and purpose to human life, and that has helped me carry on, all the challenge that faced me.

DM: And it's been many, many challenges.

BS: Thank you.

DM: Thank you.

<End Segment 22> - Copyright ©2008 Densho. All Rights Reserved.