<Begin Segment 19>

DG: Now, have you been on a pilgrimage to one of the camps yet, have you ever returned?

KN: No, I've been to Minidoka twice, but then at that time, when we visited our boss's daughter-in -law and she took us around, and there was nothing going on, except I noticed that some of the farmers' homes were like "U" shaped, "L" shaped -- and this friend said those are the camp buildings, barracks, that the farmers got and they insulated and they made it into homes. This is why it's like "U" shaped, "L" shaped and long and whatever. And so it made it a nice farmhouse for lots of the farmers.

DG: What was it like for you to return, do you remember?

KN: It was different, because no more barracks or nothing, except the brick entry... what is it? Guardhouse or whatever you call it, was there, and I think that was kind of broken down. I mean, not torn down, but over the years how bricks and everything, stones kind of disintegrate. But I'm sure that eventually they will fix that and the Minidoka, former camp site will be another historic site, I believe. I think they're working on it.

DG: Now, one thing I see unique about the memorial here on Bainbridge is we are trying to gather the personal stories such as yours. And so how do you feel about the importance of you sharing not only the facts of what happened, but your stories and your emotions and your thoughts?

KN: How do I feel about it?

DG: Yes, how can you explain the importance of that?

KN: Oh, how would I explain that now? Because, since it's been a long time, and you know how some of your feelings sort of goes vague, I mean, you're not... well, like if you're angry or anger is no longer intense. But I don't mind sharing my stories and my feelings. It's very educational and people should know from some of us how it was like when we had to leave our home.

<End Segment 19> - Copyright © 2006 Densho. All Rights Reserved.