Title: Testimony of James P. Egawa, (denshopd-i67-00210)
Densho ID: denshopd-i67-00210

Egawa
August 13, 1981

Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians

Since July 14, 1981, you the Commission have heard and read the testimonies of many Japanese-Americans and Aleuts expressing the psychological, physical and economical impact they experienced with their relocation, internment camps and post-relocation.

Like other Japanese and Aleut families and individuals, we experienced the same loss of home, job, personal belongings and most important respect and trust. True, the relocation camps may have been in the best interest of safety for the Japanese people, but to force the selling of homes, business, personal belongings was not in order.

In addition, my family also experienced a violation of our civil rights. My mother is American Indian (Lummi) my sister, brother and I are half Indian. My mothers had to choose if she

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wanted to stay in Seattle or go to the camp with the rest of the family in Minadoka, Idaho. She stayed with the family and went to the camp to be with her husband and us.

In writing this testimony I am speaking for my father and family. Like many other Japanese-Americans his age he has a great deal of pride and will not beg for compensation or a letter of apology.

Our family only asks you to look at the facts presented by the people and make a [illegible] and value decision that is right and fair for the Japanese and Aleut peoples.

If monetary redress is the recommendation it must be done soon, before the people are gone. You folks will write the final chapter to the internment camps.

Sincerely,

James P. Egawa
8/13/81

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Fred Y. Egawa - Father
Grace M. Egawa - Mother
Marie Y. Egawa (Cameron) Daughter
Fred Y. Egawa - Son
James P. Egawa - Son

_____________ Tacoma, WA 98406
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