Densho Digital Archive - Kay Endo Interview (denshovh-ekay-01-0015)

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RP: And then you've... over the years you've really taken a deep involvement in the Japanese American community in Portland.

KE: Yes.

RP: What prompted that?

KE: It was just... I think that's from the upbringing. Mom said to do things so that's what you did. And being in the military, I first joined the Oregon Nisei Veterans then JACL and the Japanese Ancestry Society and from there you get involved in the community.

RP: Were you involved in the closet project too?

KE: No, I was not. You know, that was the Oregon Nikkei endowment that was involved in that and that was more of Bill Naito's project and he put up the majority of the money for that. And then that was how that project went. And I didn't get involved with the legacy center either 'cause I had got too many irons in the fire so we have to back off of something. I was asked to help but I didn't.

RP: Now as part of the Oregon Nikkei veteran's group, you were part of the color guard at Minidoka?

KE: Well, I got volunteered from the Friends of Minidoka and they said you... the flags were there so you carried them. [Laughs]

RP: So you've been back to Minidoka a number of times over the last ten years and what do you feel when you go back there?

KE: There's to me there was no feeling it's just something you go back and do. The main thing is to support the cause. And what better support do you have than other than monetary is to be part of the pilgrimage. And being retired so the monetary part is very limited but you could always be there in spirit, right? And that's a great thing that at least you need to go once or twice.

RP: What's your thoughts about the redress and reparations?

KE: When you're young you don't think of those things but as you mature a little bit, you know, our civil rights were abridged and it's probably the first time any group of people were handled, I mean, were treated that way. And then like the blacks say that they were treated wrongly but history says they come over as slaves. And then they got their freedom but we were American citizens, we were born here and they put us in camps. And I'm the one that the designation of the camp is correct but some of them say we should be a "concentration camp." But all the stories you read about the Jewish Holocaust, and I don't want to be put in that category. I may be selfish but that's just the way I feel. And there's others that believe that the term "concentration camp" should be out there. And you probably had the same argument with people, but a lot of the ones that want it "concentration camps" are ones that never been there. And to me they said "concentration camp" and I just feel uneasy. And it's just the way I'm going to feel 'til the day I die I guess.

RP: Kay, if you were to pass on any insights or lessons about your camp experience to future generations, what would you tell them about it?

KE: Well, like we said, it was unconstitutional and you wish that no one would have to go through that again. No people, not even when the 9/11 come along, they should never treat your fellow citizens that way. They have as much right as you do and you shouldn't be singled out because of race or religion. And that's the message I give 'em. But you could say it kind of real harshly or you could say it in a softer tone and I'm more of a softer tone person. Maybe it might not get through to the people but that's the way I feel.

RP: Are there any other stories or memories that you want to share that we haven't touched on?

KE: Yeah, there was one high school experience at Milwaukie High School, we had to write a... it was more like a term paper and I chose the subject of our relocation and how I feel today and how I felt then is a little different. I mean, the maturity part. And this one guy and I can still remember he says, "What was your experience?" in camp and I just couldn't tell him. What can you say as a seventeen year old? But later on you can... and that really stuck with me. And I kind of begged off the question but I think that's how much you mature over the years.

RP: Well, thank you on behalf of myself and Mark and the Park Service.

KE: Well, thank you.

RP: Thank you for sharing your time and your memories. It's been great being with you the last few days.

KE: Well, thank you. (Narr. note: The Saito family in Ontario, Joe, Abe and Paul. Joe and Paul are still living, Abe passed away several years ago. All the family members have been outstanding citizens of the Ontario area.)